LA's potential future with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard following the playoff elimination: Insights on the Clippers' subsequent moves.
LA Clippers: The Aftermath of Clawing Out Game 7 vs. the Nuggets
The Los Angeles Clippers put up a valiant fight in their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, showing glimpses of their potent potential. But it's the Nuggets who advance, shutting down the Clippers' season in a dominating Game 7 victory.
This Clippers squad exhibited phenomenal form towards the end of the regular season, reaching its zenith with an impressive win over the Nuggets in Game 3 and a resilient performance in Game 6. But the curtain has fallen on this season following their Game 7 loss. The Clippers will now reassess their roster moving forward.
As for the next phase of the team, it's expected that both James Harden and Kawhi Leonard will be part of the equation, according to Law Murray of The Athletic.
Murray said, "It appears that the short-term future will revolve around Harden and Leonard. The Clippers are poised below the collective bargaining agreement's first-apron threshold and intend to stay flexible with an eye on the next two offseasons."
Harden's player option for the 2025-26 season amounts to $36.4 million. Despite his struggles in yet another Game 7, Harden has been a vital part of the offense and remains one of the best playmakers in the game, despite the ebb and flow of his scoring during the latter stages of his career.
The rest of the roster's composition is yet to be determined, but the Clippers managed to compete with Harden and Leonard leading the way during the second half of the season. With a chance to do so again next year, the Clippers aim to recapture that form.
Whether they opt to maintain their depth or go for an additional star acquisition remains unclear, but it seems that at least Harden and Leonard will be back for another shot at glory next season.
James Harden's Struggles and Legacy in the Playoffs
James Harden's ongoing playoff struggles have been scrutinized in a devastating Twitter thread. The scrutiny follows his performance in Game 7, which many considered subpar.
Russell Westbrook Breaks Historic Games Played Streak
Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook's historic run comes to an end after Game 7. His departure marks the conclusion of a streak of consecutive games played that spans over a decade.
Kawhi Leonard on the Clippers' Future
Kawhi Leonard provided a frank assessment of the Clippers' future, acknowledging the team's shortcomings and expressing his determination to address them.
The upcoming roster changes will undoubtedly impact the Clippers' fortunes. The club will carefully weigh their options, balancing the need to contend for a championship while also remaining flexible for future opportunities.
The LA Clippers, having lost in the decisive Game 7, will likely evaluate their roster moving forward for better fortunes in the next season. With James Harden and Kawhi Leonard set to be key parts of the team, as indicated by Law Murray of The Athletic, their short-term future is poised around these two stars.
However, the Clippers' playoff performance has been subject to criticism, especially James Harden's struggles, which sparked intense scrutiny on social media. Despite this, Harden remains one of the best playmakers in the NBA and has contributed significantly to the team's offense.
Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook has concluded his historic run of consecutive games played spanning over a decade following his departure after Game 7.
As for Kawhi Leonard, he has expressed his determination to address the team's shortcomings and acknowledged the need for roster changes to improve their chances of clinching a championship. The upcoming decisions concerning the composition of the roster will significantly impact the Clippers' fortunes in the next season.
