After a disappointing first-round exit in the 2023 playoffs, the LA Clippers are aiming to rebound in the 2024–25 season. Fans are eager to see how the roster led by James Harden alongside Kawhi Leonard will gel as they strive for success. Recognizing the urgency, the team built a newly developed chemistry, particularly with high expectations for their new super team.

Despite a strong start last season, attaining a 3–1 record, the Clippers struggled with consistency, highlighted by a six-game losing streak mid-season. Their focus has been on making strategic offseason changes to increase their chances and addressing injury concerns, particularly regarding Kawhi Leonard’s knee injury. The Clippers are determined to reclaim their status as a Western Conference challenger and make a deeper playoff run, setting the stage for an exciting 2024 season ahead.

Preseason Schedule

Get ready for an action-packed preseason as the Clippers face off against some exciting opponents before the regular season. Here are the key dates, venues, opponents, and times as per the NBA.

These games will be critical for the team to build chemistry and fine-tune their strategies before the season opener.

LA Clippers 2024-25 Roster:

Offseason Changes

The Clippers made several key offseason transactions, including signing a three-year contract with Derrick Jones Jr. for $30 million, a two-year contract with Nicolas Batum for $9.6 million, and again a three-year contract with Kris Dunn for $17 million. They also added Cam Christie with a four-year contract for $7.9 million, and Mo Bamba with a one-year contract for $2.6 million, and secured Trentyn Flowers on a two-way contract. With the loss of All-Star Paul George, these moves demonstrate a shift towards rebuilding and reinforcing their frontcourt.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, PJ Tucker of the Clippers has decided to exercise his $11.54 million player option for the 2024-25 season. This is part of a three-year, $33 million agreement negotiated by agent Andre Buck. Amidst these changes, the team prioritizes finding its new identity while maintaining future cap flexibility.

Clippers Head-to-Head records

The Los Angeles Clippers have a diverse history in head-to-head matchups against various NBA teams. Since 1992, they have faced the Utah Jazz the most in the playoffs, with 21 games and they hold a 9-12 record. This rivalry is significant as it highlights the Clippers’ struggles to advance deep into the postseason.

In the regular season, the Clippers boast their best record against the Charlotte Hornets, going 41-25 with a 62.1% win over 66 games. Their strong rivalry with the Hornets is visible in this solid performance. On the other side, they have a terrible track record against the San Antonio Spurs, winning only 29.4% of their 187 matchups with a dismal 55-132 record. The Spurs have historically been a formidable opponent, often dominating the Clippers in crucial games.

The Clippers also have a closely matched rivalry with the Toronto Raptors, where their record stands at 27-29, marking the most even series against teams with at least 50 games played. This balance underscores the competitive nature of their meetings.

Currently, the Clippers have the longest active winning streak against the Hornets, winning 12 straight games, which showcases their recent dominance in this matchup. In contrast, their longest losing streak is against the Milwaukee Bucks, having dropped 4 consecutive matchups, emphasizing the challenges they face against elite teams.

Additionally, the Clippers have encountered mixed results against other notable teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, where they hold a 73-100 record with a 42.2% win, and the Los Angeles Lakers, trailing with an 86-153 record with a 36.0% win. These rivalries, particularly with the Lakers, highlight the Clippers’ ongoing pursuit of recognition in a city dominated by their cross-town rivals.

Overall, the Clippers showcase a competitive dynamic in the league, with notable fluctuations in their head-to-head records. Their consistent ability to win against some teams mirrors the ever-changing environment of the NBA, yet they encounter obstacles when playing others, demonstrating the challenges of pursuing greatness.

Top Matchups for the Clippers

Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks, fresh off eliminating the Clippers in the 2021-2022 playoffs, are a key team to watch this season. With star players Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and newly acquired Klay Thompson, the Mavs are a formidable opponent in the West. Despite Kawhi Leonard’s absence for the majority of the series, the Clippers gave the Mavericks a tough challenge in the last postseason. Beating the Mavericks a few times this year would not only boost their confidence but also provide a chance to study a potential playoff opponent. Given their recent history meeting in the playoffs three times in five years, these matchups are crucial for both teams as they compete for postseason positioning.

Los Angeles Lakers : The rivalry between the Clippers and Lakers is always highly anticipated, particularly with the Clippers set to host the Lakers in their new Intuit Dome for the first time. The outcome of this matchup could have a big impact on playoff positioning for both teams. Following a disappointing free agency, the Lakers may potentially be in the play-in mix again, heightening the significance of any meeting with the Clippers. Following the loss of Paul George to the 76ers, the Clippers might also be battling for one of the last playoff spots, potentially setting the stage for a decisive clash. The stakes are high, as both teams will be looking to establish dominance in this iconic rivalry.

Season’s Forecast

The Clippers are facing a tough season ahead, particularly with the loss of Paul George, which has left a significant void in their lineup. Despite this setback, the team is poised to assign James Harden increased offensive responsibility, which could help shape a more defined offensive identity. Even though he may not match his past scoring achievements, Harden, at 34, still brings valuable experience and playmaking skills to drive the offense, reminiscent of his time with the Rockets where he averaged 34.3 points per game.

However, the Clippers’ prospects largely depend on Kawhi Leonard’s health. His struggle with knee issues has been a recurring theme, and he has exceeded 65 games played only once since the 2018-2019 season. While the roster appears less intimidating than during the peak of the Leonard-George era since 2019, there’s still talent and depth to compete effectively. The team signed Jones Jr. and Batum to strengthen their frontcourt depth. These players possess the necessary versatility and defensive skills to complement Leonard’s playing style. In summary, while the path may be challenging, the Clippers can still carve out a competitive season.