Clippers locker room turmoil surfaces after disheartening Lakers defeat
The Los Angeles Clippers endured another disappointing outing on Tuesday, succumbing to the Los Angeles Lakers with a 135-118 defeat that showcased one of their worst defensive efforts of the season. This latest setback marks their 11th loss in the past 13 games, leaving the Clippers struggling with a -7.1 net rating, which places them among the six worst teams in the league after 18 games.
Defensive Woes and Discontent
The Clippers’ struggles were evident throughout the game, as they repeatedly failed to find answers on the defensive end. Their body language painted a stark picture, revealing a team plagued by simple mistakes, lack of communication, and waning effort. As tensions simmer, whispers of deeper discontent within the organization have begun to emerge.
In the lead-up to the Lakers game, head coach Ty Lue offered a poignant remark that many interpreted as a veiled critique of Kawhi Leonard. He said, “When you lose your best player, a top 10 player when he’s on the floor, it’s hard to really make up for that. I know a lot of people say ‘Next Man Up’, but if he’s making $60 million and your next man is making $400,000, it’s not really the same.” While Leonard’s reported salary stands at $50 million, the underlying message was clear: the Clippers’ best player must be more available, a fact that has been a persistent issue throughout Leonard’s tenure with the team.
The “$400,000 player” Lue referenced is likely Kobe Sanders, who has been thrust into a larger role due to Leonard’s absences, starting multiple games despite being on a two-way contract. This situation raises questions about the team’s depth and the effectiveness of the front office’s roster construction, further hinting at potential frustrations within the organization.
Leonard’s Response Sparks Speculation
In the aftermath of the loss, Leonard didn’t hold back either. He highlighted the need for a change in the team’s defensive strategy, expressing concern over the ease with which opposing stars have been able to score. He specifically pointed out that Luka Doncic dropped 43 points on them, mere weeks after Nikola Jokic torched the Clippers for 55. Leonard emphasized the necessity of forcing offensive threats to become playmakers rather than scorers.
This perspective sharply contrasts with Lue’s post-game comments following the Jokic game, where he stated the plan was to allow Jokic to score. Leonard’s frustration is palpable, and it raises questions about the alignment between the star forward and the coaching staff. His return to the lineup has not yielded the desired improvements, and both he and Lue may find their patience wearing thin.
As the Clippers navigate this tumultuous stretch, all eyes will be on the locker room dynamics. The potential for further subtle jabs between Lue and Leonard could shape the narrative as the season unfolds.
