We are nearly one quarter through the 2023-24 NBA season. So far, the campaign has been filled with change and uncertainty for the LA Clippers.
The trade for James Harden shook up the roster in a major way, and forced head coach Tyronn Lue as well as all the players to make significant adjustments. After the team acquired Russell Westbrook from the Lakers at the trade deadline last year, they added yet another ball-dominant star-level player.
Perhaps one thing the front office wanted to accomplish in acquiring more big-name talent was to have insurance for injuries. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have not exactly been the most durable superstars, and having more ball handlers to replace them could appear to be a decent backup plan.
But if that was their intention, it has backfired in a major way. The Clippers have done the unthinkable this season with all four of their star players yet to miss a game.
The Clippers' stars have played every game this season
Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook have appeared in all 18 of the Clippers' games this year. James Harden has played in all 13 contests he has been available since the trade occurred.
After Leonard and George had never played more than 13 contests consecutively since their arrival in LA, they have not come close to missing a game this season. Neither one has even been listed on the injury report as questionable.
In a year where the Clippers' big four are all either playing in the last year of their contract or have a player option for next season, it makes sense for them to try to go all out to win a championship. They are all aware there is no guarantee they will be back next season.
A clean bill of health for two injury-riddled superstars is a major stroke of luck for the Clippers. If George and Leonard can stay on the court for the majority of the year, LA will have a much better shot at achieving their goal.