Clippers’ Hot Streak Highlights Leonard’s Form, Defensive Surge and Injury Updates
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LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard’s selection as Western Conference Player of the Week has reignited discussion about his future with the Clippers, with Southern California News Group reporter Mirjam Swanson urging the front office to gauge Leonard’s trade value. The forward has battled injuries throughout his Los Angeles tenure but is powering a five-game winning streak and producing at an elite level this season.
As the Clippers attempt to climb back into the Western Conference play-in mix, speculation centers on whether the franchise should prioritize draft assets or a younger cornerstone instead of continuing its current trajectory, which could lead to a first-round matchup with Oklahoma City.
Workload for Leonard and Harden
Law Murray of The Athletic notes that Leonard and James Harden are carrying a heavy offensive burden after several offseason moves faltered. “I’ve never really kind of been in this situation,” Leonard said. “I’m more trying to get guys the ball and just sharing it more than what I’ve been doing. But the coaches need me to be aggressive the entire game.” How long the duo can sustain that output may influence the organization’s trade-deadline approach.
Dunn Sparks Defensive Turnaround
Los Angeles opened the year 6-21 but has tightened its defense behind guard Kris Dunn. Dunn told the Orange County Register that the shift began with the Dec. 20 victory over the Lakers. “Everybody just had that juice that day,” he said. “We had been in a rut for a while and I think everybody collectively was like, you know what, the only way we are getting out of this is if we do our jobs.”
Injury Report
• Center Ivica Zubac has started on-court work while rehabbing a Grade 2 left ankle sprain and is expected to return in mid-January, according to Murray.
• Veteran guard Bogdan Bogdanovic will miss at least two more games with a hamstring injury. His availability for next week’s three-game road trip remains uncertain.
The Clippers continue their current homestand against a shorthanded Jazz squad as front-office decisions loom ahead of the Feb. trade deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
