The Clippers’ Tyronn Lue sends a warning to the starters after a terrible start against the Jazz

The The Los Angeles Clippers’ 2025-26 NBA season didn’t just get off to a bad start. He tripped, fell, and crashed into Salt Lake City. After a brutal 129-108 opening loss to the Utah Jazz, the Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue he wasted no time sending a clear message to their veteran starters.

“If our first unit can’t get off to a better start defensively, the trades will be quicker,” Lue said bluntly after the game. “It’s a learning experience, just seeing what our team is made of. … If I have to make early subs from here on out, that’s what we have to do.”

Lue’s words reflected the head coach’s frustration as he watched his star-studded lineup, incl Kawhi Leonard, James Hardenand Ivica Zubacthey disintegrate early. The The Clippers were better with 43-19 in the first quarter, he committed more turnovers than field goals and showed minimal resistance on defense.

Clippers Vets vs. Jazz:

Kavhi — 3-9 FG | 1-5 3P
Pavle — 1-5 FG | 1-4 3P
Beal — 2-5 FG | 1-4 3P
Harden — 5-12 FG | 2-9 3P
Batum — 1-4 FG | 1-4 3P pic.twitter.com/1K96biiESl

— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 23, 2025

For a team that spent the offseason dealing with size, shooting and experience, the lack of effort and focus was alarming.

The Jazz, expected to be one of the NBA’s rebuilding teams, looked far sharper, leading by as many as 37 points at one stage. The Clippers’ defense, especially their perimeter containment and transition rotation, was non-existent.

The team was led by Ivica Zubac with 19 points and seven rebounds, but the stars seemed relieved. Leonard shot only 3 of 9 from the field, while Harden and Lopez combined for a quiet 30 points had little impact on the outcome.

Lue took personal responsibility for performance, but emphasized responsibility around the world.

“It’s up to me to prepare them, but the guys have to show pride in stopping early,” he said. “You can’t let a team like that get comfortable right out of the gate.”

Now, with back-to-back home games against the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers looming, the Clippers will have little time to hang around. But if Lue’s words are any indication, the leash on his starting five has gotten much shorter, and early replacements could become the new norm if the slow starts continue.