The ugly defeat of the Clippers against the Lakers proves that a brutal showdown is coming
The The Los Angeles Clippers are out of timeexcuses and optimism. Tuesday night’s 135-118 loss to the Lakers wasn’t just another blip; it felt like confirmation of a harsh reality: This roster, built on star power and veteran experience, is collapsing faster than anyone expected.
At 5-13with 11 losses in their last 13 games, the Clippers are on the rise. Even the return of Kawhi Leonard didn’t change the momentum. The Lakers attacked early, pressed late and never allowed the game to become competitive. And once again, Los Angeles looked lost on the defensive end.
After the game, Leonard didn’t bother to politely be disappointed about the situation. Asked about the defensive failures, both during his absence and now that he’s back, he got straight to the point.
They pay big. The Clippers have allowed at least 16 three-pointers in nine separate games this season, the most in the NBA, and opponents are shooting with confidence, rhythm and no resistance.
James Harden continued his recent surge with 29 points and nine assists, but his production no longer masks deeper problems. The team looks slow. They look disjointed. They look old.
And the problems are deeper than effort.
Bradley Beal is out for the season. The John Collins trade already looks like a huge failure. Chris Paul and Brooke Lopez, once significant pieces, appear well past their windows of influence. Leonard is fighting the rhythm of injuries; Harden’s grip remains clumsy. Once there was a championship expectation. Now there is only uncertainty. Where do they even go from here: trade, demolition or blind hope?
Whatever the next move, one truth is inescapable:
The Clippers are no longer a contender; they are a crisis.
2025-11-26 15:01:00
