5 reasons LA Clippers can win 2021 NBA championship

The LA Clippers have their eyes set on winning the first NBA championship in franchise history, and they’ve got the makeup to do it.

Year 1 of the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George partnership in Los Angeles didn’t yield the results the LA Clippers wanted.

The team was bounced from the 2020 NBA Playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, and head coach Doc Rivers ended up being ousted.

Now Tyronn Lue is in charge of getting the Clippers over the hump, and he has a squad that can get it done. Here are five reasons LA can win it all this year.

5. The Clippers have overcome injuries

There’s a silver lining to every cloud. The Clippers can take comfort in that fact since injuries have forced them to change the lineup and use all their depth throughout the season.

Paul George (16 games missed) and Kawhi Leonard (18 games missed) have each dealt with a foot problem. Patrick Beverly (34 games missed) fractured a bone in his hand. Serge Ibaka (30 games missed) has missed ample time with a back problem. Rajon Rondo was on a minutes restriction. The list goes on and on.

Despite players coming in and out of the lineup, LA has managed to post a 46-23 record with the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed in their grasp. The fact that they navigated those turbulent waters and still came out looking strong is proof they have a solid lineup from top to bottom.

Role players who stepped up in the regular season should be invaluable in the playoffs. The Clippers won’t be entirely dependent on Leonard and George. They have a trusted core around to carry some of the load.