The Los Angeles Clippers’ hopes for championship glory have been repeatedly dashed by injuries, inconsistency and unfulfilled potential. At the center of these battles is Kawhi Leonard, the two-time Finals MVP whose career has been marred by injuries in recent years. As the Clippers wade through the 2024-2025 season and Leonard has been sidelined again, the question arises: Is this the end of the road for Kawhi and this Clippers experiment?

How we got here

Kawhi Leonard emerged as the defensive anchor of the San Antonio Spurs and was named Finals MVP in 2014. His 2019 championship run with the Toronto Raptors made him one of the game’s all-time greats. However, his time with the Clippers, which began in 2019, was marked by injuries and unfulfilled expectations.

The Clippers paired Leonard with Paul George in hopes of starting a dynasty, but injuries derailed their playoff runs. The addition of James Harden this season was an attempt to salvage the championship window, but the move has yet to produce results. Leonard’s chronic injury problems remain the biggest obstacle.

This season

Kawhi Leonard hadn’t even practiced with the team until recently as he recovered from another injury, according to the latest update from head coach Tyronn Lue. At age 33, Leonard’s body is showing signs of wear and tear and his absence leaves a huge void for the Clippers.

The reality is bleak for Leonard. His explosiveness and ability to dominate on both ends of the court are now inconsistent. The Clippers, meanwhile, appear to be treading water and have little optimism about Leonard’s health or the team’s chances.

Although the team is just over .500 and still in playoff contention in the tough Western Conference, the reality is that this team is capable of little more than a first-round exit at their absolute best.

The Clippers now

Without Leonard, the Clippers are leaning heavily on 35-year-old James Harden. While Harden has been a prolific scorer and playmaker throughout his career, his age and declining impact in the postseason raise concerns about his ability to lead a team deep into the playoffs.

Aside from Harden, the Clippers’ roster lacks significant depth or emerging talent to carry the load. Players like Paul George and Russell Westbrook have moments of brilliance, but their inconsistency further limits the team’s ceiling. This lack of supporting pieces is a direct result of the team’s blockbuster trade for Paul George in 2019.

Where do they go from here?

The Clippers are in a precarious position. Their trade for Paul George in 2019 depleted their draft capital and sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and multiple first-round picks (2022, 2024, 2026) to the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander has since blossomed into an All-NBA talent, while the Clippers’ lack of trade resources and draft flexibility leaves them little room to rebuild or make significant changes.

The team’s championship window is effectively closed unless Leonard can return to form, which seems unlikely given his injury history. The Clippers may need to consider blowing up the roster and beginning a long-overdue rebuild, even if it means a painful transition period.

Overall, things don’t look good

The dream of a championship under the leadership of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George has turned into a nightmare for the Clippers. Injuries have derailed their plans and the team now faces a harsh reality with aging stars, a depleted roster and little hope for a quick turnaround.

Kawhi Leonard’s legacy as one of the NBA’s greatest players is assured, but his time as the franchise’s centerpiece may be nearing its end. It’s time for the Clippers to reassess their future — and perhaps accept that this era is over.

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