The LA Clippers are in the midst of a tough stretch, holding a disappointing 8-21 record with a win last night versus the Houston Rockets. The team has won just four games in its past 16 outings, a slide that has seen them plummet down the Western Conference standings.
Amidst this failure, however, Kawhi Leonard delivered a season-high 41 points in the recent 128-108 victory over the Rockets. While this performance offered a much-needed, albeit fragile, glimmer of hope, it raises a painful question: Is one great game enough to justify the superstar's massive contract and the franchise-altering decisions made for him?
There is an unacceptable reality behind an 8-21 record
The 8-21 start to the season is simply unacceptable for a team with championship aspirations and a roster built around two perennial All-Stars. The over-under for this team was around 47.5 coming into the season, and unfortunately, that mark will likely not be met. The rough patch has been defined by inconsistent effort and a failure to establish a cohesive identity.
The victory over the Houston Rockets, which created just the second win-streak of the season, was a confidence booster. However, the context of the win is crucial, as Houston did not have Fred VanVleet and had been going through adversity as of late.
Furthermore, the LA Clippers' victory was fueled by a significant advantage in three-point shooting, going 20-0f-37, while the Rockets missed 21 three-pointers.
Kawhi Leonard's leadership void leads to a $50 million question
Despite his statistical output (Kawhi Leonard is averaging 26.1 points per game this season), the LA Clippers are 8-21, sitting 26th in the NBA. This disconnect suggests a deeper issue than mere performance.
When Leonard scored 22 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 122-101 blowout loss, he finished with a disastrous minus-24 +/-. When your team gets outscored by 24 points while you're on the floor, something is not adding up.
Basketball requires leadership, accountability, and communication. Leonard, provides the bare minimum in these categories, and his lack of vocal leadership is a major factor in the Clippers' 2-10 record in clutch-time games this season.
That's been Leonard's fatal flaw his entire career. He was able to capitalize, winning two Finals MVPs, and the talent was hard to turn down, but his leadership might be the reason his tenure on the Clippers has been rocky to say the least.
The Clippers once made a trade that mortgaged their future
The current disaster traces back to 2019 when Kawhi Leonard made his demands clear: he would not sign with the LA Clippers unless they acquired another star. The team subsequently mortgaged its entire future to acquire Paul George.
The cost was astronomical: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and control of seven first-round picks, including unprotected firsts in 2022, 2024, and 2026. The Oklahoma City Thunder turned those assets into a championship dynasty, while the Clippers turned them into a 8-21 record.
This decision, driven by Leonard's demands, has crippled the franchise's ability to rebuild or retool. The Clippers are now stuck, with no draft capital to trade and a roster that is clearly underperforming.
Kawhi Leonard's contract has caused the Clippers direct instability
Kawhi Leonard is making $50.3 million this season with another massive payday coming next year. That contract is a hurdle preventing the LA Clippers from making any meaningful improvements.
They can't sign impact free agents because Leonard's salary eats up cap space or make trades because his value has tanked due to a severe injury history.
The instability extends beyond Leonard. James Harden, who had 29 points and six assists in the win over the Houston Rockets, is reportedly on the league radar as a potentially available trade piece. This rumor only highlights the deep uncertainty surrounding the team's core and future direction.
That said, the Clippers bet everything on a player who prioritized personal comfort over winning, and the franchise is now paying the ultimate price.