Between a competent backup center and a potent sixth man, the LA Clippers must move pieces around and refine the active rotation. This is the only way head coach Tyronn Lue will make a statement past the regular season, as the current roster screams for help in certain areas.
Moreover, Lue's foundation is as strong as it can be. Next to franchise centerpieces James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have stars Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, who will consistently give opposing teams nightmares on the court.
However, the Clippers will not secure the title, let alone win a playoff series, with limited contributions off the bench. Guard Kevin Porter Jr. has produced lately, but he is not the sixth man that will lead LA to the NBA Finals.
The front office may elect to retain Porter Jr. through the deadline. Although this is not a poor decision, they must acquire another scorer who fits under Lue’s game plan.
Additionally, in the playoffs, Lue tends to minimize the rotation to around eight players. This increases the Clippers' need to be aggressive at the deadline.
Furthermore, executive Lawrence Frank appeared on the Clippers’ broadcast last night against Washington. He was soon asked about LA’s mindset through the deadline and shared a response relating to the team's future.
LA Clippers’ executive Lawrence Frank shares an intriguing response about the 2025 trade deadline.
Amid the LA Clippers’ battle with the Washington Wizards, Lawrence Frank was brought to the broadcast and answered questions regarding the trade deadline.
When asked about his thought process, Frank stated, “We really like this group. We’re always looking for opportunities to improve the team but we have a long-term vision… But with guys like Kawhi and James on the roster, if there are opportunities we will look at them.”
Lawrence Frank on the trade deadline:
— APHoops (@APH00PS) January 24, 2025
“We really like this group. We’re always looking for opportunities to improve the team but we have a long term vision… But with guys like Kawhi and James on the roster, if there are opportunities we will look at them.” pic.twitter.com/6GmDIICtaY
This response may spark a conversation among Clipper nation, as Frank seems concentrated on the team's future.
Frank is likely basing his approach on the success the Clippers have witnessed this season. This is not a bad route, as LA has remained in the top six without Leonard’s help. With his dominance, the front office could anticipate the current roster to rise above all in the Western Conference.
Conversely, once the playoffs begin, regular season achievements are essentially irrelevant. Despite certain advantages, any team can climb to the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
That said, the Clippers should focus more on what will translate to the playoffs rather than what has worked thus far.