According to Ramona Shelburne, the Clippers are still motivated to compete despite a rough 2025-26 season so far.
Despite a disappointing and turbulent start to this 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Clippers are still determined to push through.
Los Angeles Clippers / Schedule
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, the franchise remains committed to its core group while also potentially looking to add more pieces that can help them compete.
"I don't get the sense that they are thinking about blowing it up. I think they want to get back to being as competitive as they can be. They've been a little bit more competitive in these last few games. Their defense has been better," Shelburne said on NBA Today.
"They are getting better. And I don't think they're ready to pull the plug on James Harden or Kawhi Leonard or any of those bigger names. I think it would be something around the margins just to change the vibe a little bit."
After a solid 51-win campaign last year, things have gone problematic for the Clippers this 2025-26. They are at the bottom of the West with a 6-19 record, losing all three of their last games.
The team mainly endured significant injury blows. Offseason acquisition Bradley Beal (hip) has been out for the remainder of the season, while wingman Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) is yet to make his debut. In addition, Kawhi Leonard also missed plenty of games due to an ankle sprain.
Things couldn't be more brutal for LA after they also recently parted ways with Chris Paul despite the former NBA star's intent to spend his final season as a Clipper.
With the season already reaching the first quarter and the competition in the West has been intensifying, the Clippers have to act urgently to save their season.
The team has no choice but to try to contend, as the reigning Oklahoma City Thunder have the full rights on their first-round pick in next year's draft.
"All-Star game is in LA. Steve Ballmer is a competitive guy. I don't see them being comfortable trying to bottom out. I think they're just going to keep trying to climb up the standings a little bit," Shelburne concluded.
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