LOS ANGELES — As the city stages NBA All-Star Weekend, the Los Angeles Clippers are balancing celebration with transition. Head coach Tyronn Lue said Friday the organization still expects to contend despite a significant roster shake-up completed at the trade deadline.
“Our expectations are still to win and win at a high level,” Lue told reporters. “We have to come out every night, compete and play hard, no matter who’s on the floor.”
Major pieces in, major pieces out
In a pair of deadline moves, the Clippers sent James Harden and longtime center Ivica Zubac elsewhere, returning a younger core highlighted by point guard Darius Garland and second-year wing scorer Bennedict Mathurin.
Garland, however, is sidelined by a sprained toe and has no timetable for a return. Mathurin began his tenure coming off the bench, leaving the rotation in flux just as Los Angeles had found its rhythm following a slow start to the season.
Veteran voices preach patience
Forward Nicolas Batum acknowledged the challenge of losing two reliable veterans. “It’s not easy, especially when you trade away big pieces,” he said. “But what we got back is huge as well. We still have to do our jobs, though it’s definitely an adjustment.”
The Clippers entered the break younger but minus two of their steadiest contributors, creating uncertainty around immediate results. Internally, Lue emphasized, the standard remains firm.
The team resumes play next week with its retooled lineup, intent on keeping pace in the Western Conference race.
Source: Hoops Wire
