LA Clippers coach Ty Lue started James Harden, Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Derrick Jones Jr. and Ivica Zubac on Monday against the Dallas Mavericks. The quintet led the Clippers to a 110-96 preseason win in front of their home fans. Lue’s team will close out its preseason schedule on Thursday at Intuit Dome versus the Sacramento Kings.
Lue spoke with reporters after the win against the Mavericks and surprised them with an announcement. The Athletic’s Law Murray reported on X/Twitter:
“Tyronn Lue makes it official that this group will start next week. Which means that Kawhi Leonard is likely out next week vs the Phoenix Suns to begin the season.”
Ahead of the Clippers’ clash with the Mavericks, Ty Lue told the media that Kawhi Leonard would not play in any preseason game. Now, it looks like Leonard will also be out for at least the Clippers’ season opener at home against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 23.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP last saw action for the LA Clippers in Game 3 against the Mavericks in the 2024 playoffs. He played 25 minutes and finished with nine points, nine rebounds and two assists. Before Game 4, Lue announced that Leonard was done for the season as the inflammation in his right knee refused to go away.
The former Toronto Raptors superstar reported for Team USA training camp ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. He eventually turned down the chance to play in the competition to recover from chronic knee soreness.
Ty Lue will lean on James Harden until Kawhi Leonard is ready
The LA Clippers reportedly refused to give Paul George a max long-term deal, forcing George to take his talents to Philadelphia. With Russell Westbrook having left and signed with the Denver Nuggets, Ty Lue’s Big Four has been trimmed to two with only James Harden and Kawhi Leonard remaining.
As Leonard rehabs his right knee, Lue will likely lean on “The Beard” until “The Claw” is ready to return for the Clippers. Harden reported for training camp in shape and expressed readiness to have a major role following George and Westbrook’s departures. The former MVP, who hasn’t missed the playoffs in his career, has to step up to keep that trend alive.
Ty Lue has been non-committal about Kawhi Leonard’s return. Until the franchise player is back, the coach will look to James Harden to lead the LA Clippers into the new season.
