3 realistic goals for LA Clippers in 2021 NBA Playoffs

1. Win first NBA championship in franchise history

The Clippers made the big splash in the summer of 2019 to emerge from the shadows of the Lakers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They pried Leonard away from the other LA team and the Toronto Raptors to sign him to a three-year contract, and then they subsequently pulled off the massive trade acquisition of George from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

If the Clippers can emerge from the Western Conference bracket, then why can’t they win the Larry O’Brien Trophy? We saw in the 2018-19 season that Leonard’s fantastic play helped the Raptors win their first-ever NBA championship. Even during his time with the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard proved that he will perform when the lights shine brightest on the grandest stage.

But Leonard can not do it on his own, given the level of competition they will need to defeat in the playoffs before reaching the NBA Finals. He will need George to step up rather than revert to “Pandemic P,” and Beverley and Ibaka staying healthy will make the job much easier. Once that all happens, we could very well witness the Clippers winning their first NBA championship in franchise history.