Los Angeles Clippers: Lawrence Frank Drops Bold Outlook on the Team Ahead of 2025-26 Campaign 4 May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Clippers: Lawrence Frank Drops Bold Outlook on the Team Ahead of 2025-26 Campaign

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 6, 2025 11:05 AM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers exited the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs after losing to the Denver Nuggets in seven games. Game 7 was embarrassing since Los Angeles trailed by as many as 35 points.

President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank admitted he was gutted with the loss. However, he said in the exit interviews that he has some positives to take away from this season.

“When I have to reflect back and we look back, there still is a great deal of pride that this season’s produced a lot of positive joy and vibes with how we played and what it does for us going forward,” Frank explained via ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly.

NBA Trade Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Goes To Rockets In Mock Trade 2 May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“So we feel really good about our core, and we expect to be a serious threat again next season. With Kawhi, James, Zu, and Norm in a lineup, we were 21-5. Acquiring (Bogdan Bogdanovic) at the deadline gave us a boost. You know, I think looking at next year that we can be better. With more games from Kawhi, internal improvement like we saw from Norman and Zu, and Amir and some of our other guys. Along with some of the things, upgrades that we can make. Whether it’s via free agency or trades. This season was also a memorable one,” he added.

Los Angeles Clippers expected to keep the same core next season

The Los Angeles Clippers’ core is not getting any younger since Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are approaching their mid-30s. Despite this, the Los Angeles Clippers are expected to continue to build around them in the short term.

May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) prepares to pass the ball in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“It seems clear that the next stage, at least in the short term, will be centered around Harden and Leonard,” Los Angeles Clippers insider Law Murray wrote in his latest The Athletic column. “The Clippers are below the collective bargaining agreement’s first-apron threshold and intend to remain flexible with an eye toward the next two offseasons, according to league sources.”

It is worth noting that Harden has a $36.4 million player option for next season, which he is expected to exercise since it makes the most sense for him financially.