Fansided

Clippers’ resentment toward Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is a major concern

By Steven Kubitza

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 01: Paul George and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers follow the game from the bench against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on February 1, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 01: Paul George and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers follow the game from the bench against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on February 1, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Clippers players feeling resentment toward the team’s two stars is not a great sign.

The LA Clippers ended up being all talk last season after losing in the Western Conference semis. The attention turned to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George after the duo was supposed to at least compete with the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference finals.

The short NBA offseason means a quick turnaround and the Clippers should once again be title favorites. However, a recent report from The Athletic’s Jovan Buha explains how the two stars on the roster could be alienating everyone else.

Clippers need chemistry

This is not a great sign and could be why Montrezl Harrell joined the Lakers this offseason. The picking and choosing when to play is an obvious point of contention, as not everyone has that luxury. But it is still in the best interest of the team if both Leonard and George are healthy, making it a more complicated situation.

Having personal security and trainers is also just the reality of being a star in the NBA. Still, teammates are going to be questioning all the special treatment if the Clippers don’t end up as champions. It is easy to see why some would be mad after George got plenty of rest during the year and then struggled in the playoffs.

Winning usually solves all problems and new head coach Ty Lue will have to make sure he doesn’t give his two stars too much preferential treatment. He can’t alienate the rest of the roster and lose the locker room if the team starts losing.

Next. The blank slate of Kawhi Leonard. dark

Both George and Leonard have the option to leave the Clippers following this season. There isn’t much certainty of the state of the team in the long-term, so the entire organization needs to refocus after an ugly playoff exit and just get along. The alternative is wasting two years of a clear contention window over infighting and drama.

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