The Los Angeles Clippers Are a Rudderless Franchise

The Los Angeles Clippers’ latest move did not move the team any closer to its first NBA title in franchise history. After being bought out by the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles signed veteran Bradley Beal to a two-year $11 million contract. He will join a core that includes other NBA veterans like Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Brook Lopez, and Nicolas Batum. Will the Los Angeles Clippers be able to defy the odds and go on a deep playoff run?

Los Angeles Clippers Outlook

Los Angeles is building its roster like it is 2015, not 2025. They are doubling down on older players. That is the antithesis to how a championship-caliber team is built. Harden is 35, Beal is 32, Leonard is 34, Lopez is 37, and Batum is 36. They are far closer to retirement than games late in the postseason.

LA’s roster has some obvious holes. Chief among them is Leonard’s health, or lack thereof, and Harden’s playoff shortcomings. It is nearly impossible to win a title when you have no idea if your star player will be healthy enough to suit up, and his running mate has a list of playoff failures longer than a novel. Lopez and Batum, while still solid players, can not be counted on to be contributors at this point in their careers.

Final Thoughts

The Los Angeles Clippers made a clear choice with their moves this offseason. They are doubling down on veteran players. They signed Harden and Lopez to two-year contracts. Championship teams have a mix of youth and experience. The 2025-26 Clippers do not fit that bill. While they should make the NBA Playoffs in 2026, they are miles away from championship contention.