As 2025 approaches, the LA Clippers look to excel in the new year. What can LA do with its current roster and future look come playoff time? The Clippers have been on a rollercoaster throughout the season so far. Some of the biggest headlines the LA Clippers have faced this season include consistency, health, and performing against quality teams. To discuss the team’s potential wants and needs, here is a list of Clippers’ New Year’s resolutions for 2025.
LA Clippers’ New Year’s Resolutions for 2025
Head coach Tyronn Lue has the Clippers in a great position with the resources he currently has, whether it’s the spectacular play from his players, to the fantastic coaching on the bench on both sides of the ball. With the current depth of players for Ty Lue, it’s crucial to know that the right things are falling into place. The team’s chemistry has also been accelerating at the right time going into 2025.
Ivica Zubac on the chemistry of this Clippers team:
“It’s great, it’s amazing. Bunch of guys that love playing with each other, that support each other. Brotherhood. It’s a joy to go out there and play with them.”
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) December 24, 2024
New Year’s Resolutions for Players in 2025
Kawhi Leonard: Stay Healthy
Kawhi Leonard will be returning to the Clippers as 2025 opens its doors. It’s only a matter of time until Los Angeles sees the return of its superstar from a lengthy knee injury. There was a potential opportunity for Leonard to return to Friday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Instead, Leonard will return at home on January 4th against the Atlanta Hawks, which is the date circled for Clippers fans. Ultimately, Kawhi remaining healthy will be central to the Clippers’ success in 2025.
Norman Powell: Win Most Improved Player
Norman Powell has played an excellent role in filling in for Kawhi Leonard. He’s done an exceptional job shooting for the Clippers, which has brought the team to a winning record. Averaging 24 points a game and having a career year in field goal percentage and behind the arc, Powell has truly stepped up in Ty Lue’s squad. This surprising scoring jump from 13.9 points last season puts Powell in a great position to win Most Improved Player.
James Harden: Lead the Clippers to the Playoffs
This isn’t the same prime James Harden we’ve seen in Houston, but still, Harden wants to win more than anything. Whether it’s distributing the basketball or making the tough shots towards the end of the game, Harden has stepped up for himself with LA. Averaging 21.9 points and 8.1 assists per game, he’s taking it upon himself to lead this Clippers team into April and deep into May. With Kawhi’s injury problems, the Clippers will be counting on Harden to maintain this level of play even once he returns.
Ivica Zubac: Maintain his Career Season
It’s fascinating to see Ivica Zubac perform when he’s at his very best in the paint. Starting every game this season, Zubac is averaging 15.2 points and 12.5 rebounds, currently on pace to be his career best. Zubac has never averaged double-digit rebounds in a season, but the Clippers are hopeful that Zubac can maintain this pace into the second half of the season.
2025 Playoffs
Playoffs are a must for the Clippers. As the middle of the season nears, the Clippers are in a comfortable spot in the west at this time of year. Currently, the Clippers are 18-13 through and sit fifth in the Western Conference. With a record slightly over .500, LA leads the Pacific division just ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers. If the LA Clippers can continue their progress while only getting better in the process with a Kawhi return and a possible trade at the deadline, LA can look very scary come playoff time in 2025.
The Clippers won’t have the same lofty playoff expectations as in years past. However, winning at least one playoff series feels like an attainable goal and perhaps they go beyond that.
