On Saturday night against the Phoenix Suns, fans of the LA Clippers learned mid-game that Bradley Beal had suffered a hip injury and was questionable to return. This same injury kept him out Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks and now appears to be the cause of his unfortunate season-ending hip fracture, leaving LA with a massive need for help at shooting guard.
Just in: Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal has a fracture in his hip and will undergo season-ending surgery, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/XrwyOTUdOo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2025
Although Beal was underperforming, the Clippers were hopeful that he would pick up the pace and become an upgrade to Norman Powell. All he needed was to see a few made buckets, and the rest would be history.
That said, the Clippers' immediate replacement options are Cam Christie and Bogdan Bogdanovic. But regardless of whether they play well or not, LA will need depth at the position, all but guaranteeing a move at the trade deadline.
The LA Clippers need a player with Bradley Beal's scoring pop to replace him
Bradley Beal played just six games before needing surgery that would end his first season with the LA Clippers in the most unfortunate way possible. The fan base was really looking forward to his game at his best, yet with a player-option this summer, his experiment in LA is likely over.
Furthermore, the more experienced guard, Bogdan Bogdanovic, will receive minutes in the rotation after DNPs with Chris Paul in the last two games. This will be his opportunity to earn his way back to his role from last season.
Simultaneously, Cam Christie, the younger, brighter, and more talented player, will be the go-to guy for Lue. He is a player who may not currently be on the scoring level of the peak version of Beal, but whose to say he cannot get there with more minutes and adjustments in the active rotation?
What appears to be the most convincing factor about Christie is his recent performance against the Phoenix Suns.
The former second-round pick scored 17 points last Thursday, and with 18 minutes on the same opponent Saturday, he recorded eight more on 3-5 shooting. These two performances increased his averages to an extremely impressive six points per game.
However, if Christie disappoints and Bogdanovic's game appears stagnant, the front office will have to find a discounted option at the trade deadline that can consistently give 15 points per game.
There may not be many available, suggesting the Clippers need to include a future draft pick, or even a contributing role player, to fill a hole that playoff teams will expose if it still exists.