Lawrence Frank ‘on track’ for contract extension despite disastrous start

Despite that Los Angeles Clippers‘ disastrous 6–16 start to the 2025–26 season, the team’s president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank is reportedly “on track” to get a contract extension. The update comes via a report from the Athletics on Thursday, which suggests organizational leadership values ​​stability even as the team struggles to live up to expectations.

The Clippers, who opened the Intuit Dome just last season and entered this year with title aspirations, currently sit in 13th place in the Western Conference. Although they recently snapped a five-game losing streak with a 115–92 win over the Atlanta Hawks, their 2–13 collapse in November and mounting internal failures have caused major concerns.

However, according to multiple league sources cited in the report, talks to extend Frank’s contract have been ongoing for some time and are expected to move forward. While no final decision has been made, Clippers ownership reportedly remains committed to the front office structure.

The support comes as the franchise faces one of its most turbulent stretches in recent memory.

The Clippers are unraveling amid scandal, injuries and roster turmoil

The NBA is currently investigating the allegations The Clippers may have violated the league’s salary cap rules through a “no-show” sponsorship. agreement related to Kawhi Leonard. The outcome of the investigation remains unclear, but it has added another level of pressure to a franchise already struggling on multiple fronts.

Lineup instability has also plagued Los Angeles this season. Paul George, who has been Leonardo’s colleague since 2019. left in free agency during the 2024 offseason to join the Philadelphia 76ers. In the last offseason, The Clippers traded Norman Powell — coming off an All-Star caliber season — to the Miami Heat in a three-team deal that brought back forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz. Powell has since thrived in Miami, averaging over 25 points per game, while Collins has had inconsistent production in Los Angeles.

This season’s roster has also been decimated by injuries. Bradley Beal, acquired in the big summer trade, broke his hip in early November and required season-ending surgery. Shooter Bogdan Bogdanovic appeared in only nine games due to a long-term hip problem, while Derrick Jones Jr. is expected to play. miss up to two months due to a sprained knee ligament. Leonard himself missed most of November with a sprained right leg, during which the Clippers went 1–9 in his absence.

Front office remains committed to Lawrence Frank despite turbulent season

Even the veteran leadership is not spared. Chris Paul, who returned to Los Angeles for his bye season, was suddenly fired from the team earlier this week. Paul broke the news with an Instagram post at 3 a.m. that read, “Just found out I’m being sent home,” along with a peace emoji. The team later confirmed the decision and stated that Paul was not to blame for the team’s performance. Frank accepted responsibility in a statement and expressed his continued support for head coach Tyronn Lue, calling him a “hell of a coach” and affirming that Lue will remain with the team long-term.

Statistically, the Clippers have struggled on both ends of the floor. They ranked 19th in offensive efficiency and 24th in defense. This underperformance is especially stark considering they have the ninth largest payroll in the NBA and the oldest roster in the league.

The Clippers will continue their five-game road trip Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies (9–13), still looking for answers. And despite the bleak outlook, the front office appears committed to Franco — a sign that, for now, continuity remains the guiding principle in Los Angeles.