The Los Angeles Clippers are enduring a challenging season, sitting at 6-18 amid poor offensive and defensive ratings. The team recently parted ways with Chris Paul in a contentious manner during a road trip. An NBA investigation into potential salary cap issues adds further uncertainty.
The Los Angeles Clippers are off to their worst start since the 2010-11 season, holding a 6-18 record that places them near the bottom of the league. They rank 19th in offensive rating and 25th in defensive rating, with a point differential of minus-5.2, the eighth-worst mark. The team has lost eight of their last 10 games, including a victory over the Charlotte Hornets, who have a better overall record.
Complicating matters is an ongoing NBA investigation into possible salary cap circumvention tied to Kawhi Leonard's endorsement deal with Aspiration. The league's probe, prompted by reports, leaves the franchise uncertain about potential penalties from Commissioner Adam Silver.
The situation escalated last week with the abrupt departure of Chris Paul. During a road trip in Atlanta, Paul posted on social media at 2:40 a.m. ET, stating, "just found out I'm being sent home." Clippers president Lawrence Frank later announced the team was "parting ways" with Paul, emphasizing, "no one is blaming Chris for our underperformance." This followed a tribute video proclaiming, "CP3 will end his Hall of Fame career at home."
Reports indicate friction between Paul and head coach Ty Lue, with the two not on speaking terms for weeks. Frank described it as "not the right fit," while stressing respect for Paul. Former Clipper Lou Williams criticized the handling, saying, "this is just a sour way to go out" and that it "looks bad on the Clippers' part." Williams noted Paul was holding players, coaches, and the front office accountable for the poor start.
Despite the struggles, Kawhi Leonard is performing well, averaging 25.4 points per game in 14 of 24 appearances—his highest scoring output in five seasons. James Harden has also met expectations. However, the roster, the oldest in the NBA, includes underperforming additions like Brook Lopez, averaging 14 minutes, and John Collins, whose stats have declined since joining the starting lineup.
The Clippers owe an unprotected first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2026 and face swap rights in 2027, limiting trade flexibility. With significant contracts for Leonard ($50.3 million next season) and Harden ($42.3 million player option), options to rebuild are constrained. Former Clipper Blake Griffin expressed disappointment, stating the organization failed to treat Paul with respect.