Clippers in Crisis: Mann Trade Fallout and Coaching Concerns

Felicia Enriquez, aka Mynt J, is the host of the podcast BlackLove and Basketball – Compton Edition. She is a Clippers fan, an NBA credentialed creator representing thePeachBasket. In this article she breaks down the Clippers tough week. Are the Clippers in crisis? Is Coach Lue’s job in jeopardy?

LA Clippers Collapse Continues: Fans Furious Over Trades and Losses – Is It Time for a Coach’s Challenge?

Clippers fans are already devastated after losing one of their favorite players, Terance Mann, in a trade just yesterday. The emotional weight of his departure made a win all the more crucial to lift spirits, but instead, the team delivered back-to-back crushing losses. The Los Angeles Clippers’ struggles have reached a boiling point. Back-to-back losses against the Lakers and Pacers exposed deeper issues that extend beyond just player performance.

Fans have been patient, but frustration is mounting as the same problems—blown leads, poor in-game adjustments, and defensive lapses—persist. With a new arena, a dedicated fanbase, and championship aspirations, is it time to question whether Tyronn Lue is still the right coach for this team?

Clippers in Crisis: The Lakers Loss: A Head-Scratching Collapse

February 4, 2025 – Loss to the Lakers (122-97)

Despite facing a Lakers team missing newly acquired Luka Dončić, the Clippers were outplayed in every facet of the game. LeBron James led the charge with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, while the Lakers shot a blistering 55.6% from the field and 48.6% from deep. The Clippers, on the other hand, looked lost defensively, struggling to close out shooters and failing to control the tempo.

Even more perplexing? The Clippers had dominated the Lakers in their previous matchup, winning 116-102 with Ivica Zubac owning the paint and James Harden orchestrating the offense. Yet, in just a matter of days, they transformed from a well-oiled machine to a team completely out of sync.

Was this just an off night? Or was there something deeper at play? The Clippers, once known for their defensive prowess, suddenly couldn’t stop a Lakers squad missing Anthony Davis. Meanwhile, their own offense sputtered to a season-low 38.2% shooting. Even Amir Coffey, a 90% free-throw shooter, bricked at the line.

If this game raised red flags, the next one set off full-blown alarms.

Clippers in Crisis: The Pacers Meltdown: The Final Straw?

February 6, 2025 – Loss to the Indiana Pacers (119-112)

The Clippers came out firing, torching the Pacers for 42 first-quarter points and building a commanding 22-point lead. But just as quickly as they established control, they lost it. Indiana responded with their own 42-point second quarter, tying the game at halftime.

From there, the Clippers unraveled. Sloppy turnovers (19 in total) fueled the Pacers’ transition offense, and by the fourth quarter, the Clippers had no answers. Pascal Siakam dominated with 33 points and 11 rebounds, leading a 14-0 run in the final minutes to seal the comeback. Norman Powell and Harden each scored 22 for L.A., but the lack of structure and execution down the stretch was glaring.

Tyronn Lue’s postgame comments did little to calm frustrations:

“We had the right intent, but we didn’t handle the pressure well. Live-ball turnovers hurt us, and it’s hard to recover when you’re giving up easy transition points.”

Intent doesn’t win games. Fans are tired of hearing the same excuses.

Recurring Issues: Why Is This Still Happening?

1. Blown Leads – The Clippers repeatedly build big leads only to watch them evaporate. This points to a failure in maintaining focus, making adjustments, and closing out opponents.
2. Lack of Defensive Identity – Once a defensive powerhouse, the Clippers have been inconsistent at best, nonexistent at worst. Against the Pacers, they folded when it mattered most.
3. Turnovers & Sloppy Play – 19 turnovers against Indiana, many unforced, led to easy buckets in transition. This trend has hurt the Clippers all season.
4. Lack of In-Game Adjustments – When the Pacers went small and increased defensive pressure, the Clippers had no counter. Instead of exploiting mismatches, they stuck to an ineffective game plan.
5. Coaching Decisions – Lue’s rotations and late-game strategies continue to be a problem. The same issues have plagued this team for multiple seasons, and at some point, accountability has to fall on the coaching staff.

Is It Time for a Coaching Change?

The biggest question facing the Clippers now: Is Tyronn Lue still the right coach for this team?

The Argument for Keeping Lue:

• He’s a proven championship coach who has dealt with a constantly changing roster.
• He’s respected around the league and has led the Clippers to playoff success before.

The Argument Against Lue:

• The same issues—blown leads, questionable rotations, and a lack of in-game adjustments—keep happening.
• The Clippers have changed players, but the results remain the same. At some point, does the team need a fresh voice and a new approach?

Many fans have already made up their minds:

• “Coaching is the biggest problem. Then management for allowing it.”
• “Lue is nothing more than a modern Doc Rivers.”
• “We are just cycling players through Lue.”
• “Van Gundy would be better as head coach.”

The sentiment is clear: Clippers fans are losing faith.

Up Next: The Utah Jazz

Another game, another test. The Clippers need a win, not just to stay competitive, but to restore belief. If the same problems persist, how much longer can the front office afford to ignore them?