The Lakers managed to defeat the Kings without James, which has made things difficult for the Clippers as they have now dropped to sixth in the Western Conference. However, with Leonard set to return to play soon, the Clippers' future looks promising.
The recent performance of the Lakers has been puzzling. Despite James being unable to play due to a cold, they managed to defeat the Kings at home. After this game, the Lakers' record caught up with the Clippers, and because they have performed better against Western Conference teams, their ranking is now ahead of the Clippers.
The Clippers have not been playing smoothly recently. In their last few games, their offense has seemed off, especially in critical moments when they struggle to find someone to score. Although Harden has joined the team, he appears to have not fully adapted to the team's style of play, making the Clippers' offense appear disorganized.
In fact, the Clippers' defense has always been solid, with a top-five defensive efficiency in the league, indicating that they are quite capable on the defensive end. However, the current issue is that the offense is too reliant on individual ability. When Leonard is not on the court, the team's offensive options become particularly limited.
Leonard is finally returning to play. Previously, there were reports that he could return before Christmas, but it has been delayed until now. However, it has now been confirmed that he will make his comeback in the game against the Hawks on January 5th, which is a timely boost for the Clippers.
The Clippers' players have had a tough time recently. They have been playing without Leonard since the start of the season and have had to face various doubts and pressures. However, they have persevered. Although their current record is not particularly impressive, they have at least prevented the team from completely collapsing.
After Leonard returns, the Clippers' defense will undoubtedly become stronger, as he is one of the top defensive players in the league. However, it may take some time for the offense to find its rhythm, as he has been out of action for a long time and needs time to adjust his form.
With Leonard's return, the Clippers' lineup will need to be readjusted. Dunn may have to move to the bench, and Powell's shooting opportunities will likely decrease significantly. These changes will require time to adapt, and the players will need to rediscover their positions and roles.
Harden's performance is also something to watch. Since joining the Clippers, he has been working hard to adapt to the team's style of play. Now that Leonard is back, his role may change again, which requires him to have enough patience and adaptability.
What is most important for the Clippers now is to maintain a calm mindset. They should not rush because of their drop in ranking, nor should they think that all problems are solved just because Leonard is returning. They need time to rebuild the team's chemistry, which may be a lengthy process.
The Clippers will play three away games next, against the Pelicans, Spurs, and Thunder. Although these games are not particularly challenging, consecutive away games are still a test for the team, especially when the lineup is not yet stable.
The competition in the West is currently very fierce. The gap between first and tenth place is actually not that big, and a win or loss can affect the rankings. Although the Clippers have dropped to sixth, if they perform well in their upcoming games, they have a good chance of climbing back into the top five.
Leonard's health is a significant variable. Although he is about to return, whether he can remain healthy and play through the entire season is a question that no one can answer at present. The Clippers need to be prepared for all possibilities.