The air in Inglewood is thick with a familiar, yet intensified, sense of anticipation. The Los Angeles Clippers, a franchise perpetually on the cusp of greatness, enter the 2025-26 NBA season with a roster that is both awe-inspiring and, in the eyes of many, a high-stakes gamble. After a surprisingly strong 50-win season that defied many expert predictions, the Clippers have pushed all their chips to the center of the table, assembling a team of seasoned veterans that is, without a doubt, one of the most talented in the league. But as they prepare to embark on a campaign with championship-or-bust expectations, a critical question looms large: can this historically old roster finally deliver the franchise’s first-ever NBA title, or will the relentless march of time prove to be their ultimate undoing?
At the heart of the Clippers’ championship aspirations lies the health of their enigmatic superstar, Kawhi Leonard. The two-time NBA Finals MVP has been a dominant force when on the court, but his tenure with the Clippers has been marred by a series of injuries that have kept him sidelined for significant stretches. The 2024-25 season was a prime example of this frustrating pattern, as Leonard missed the entirety of training camp, the preseason, and the first 41 games of the regular season while recovering from a knee injury. His absence was a major blow to the team, forcing them to rely heavily on their depth to stay afloat in the competitive Western Conference.
However, the narrative surrounding Leonard’s health has taken a positive turn as the new season approaches. For the first time since the 2023-24 season, Leonard is a full participant in training camp, a development that has sent a wave of optimism through the organization. His presence on the practice court from day one is a significant departure from previous years and a clear indication that he is feeling healthy and ready to lead the team. “It feels good to be here,” Leonard stated after a recent practice. “Like I said, you need everybody in the beginning to build that team chemistry.” This sentiment was echoed by his teammates and coaches, who have been effusive in their praise of his condition and work ethic. Head coach Tyronn Lue went as far as to call him the “best player on the floor” after the team’s first practice, a testament to the impact Leonard has when he is at his best.
The Clippers’ front office, led by Lawrence Frank, made a series of bold moves in the offseason, adding a quartet of high-profile veterans to their already experienced roster. The acquisitions of Brook Lopez, John Collins, Bradley Beal, and Chris Paul have transformed the Clippers into a team with unprecedented depth and versatility. Each of these players brings a unique skill set and a wealth of experience to the table, creating a roster that is, on paper, one of the most formidable in the league.
Lopez, a former NBA champion, provides a much-needed defensive anchor in the paint, with his ability to protect the rim and alter shots. He is also a capable floor-spacer, which will open up driving lanes for Leonard and Harden. Collins, an athletic and explosive power forward, adds a dynamic scoring threat to the frontcourt. His ability to play above the rim and knock down perimeter shots will make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Beal, a three-time All-Star, is a prolific scorer who can create his own shot and take pressure off of the team’s other offensive weapons. His ability to play both on and off the ball will give Lue a variety of lineup options to experiment with.
And then there is Chris Paul, the 40-year-old point guard who returns to the franchise where he became a global superstar. At an age when most players are long retired, Paul continues to defy Father Time, bringing his unparalleled court vision, leadership, and basketball IQ to a team that is desperate for a steady hand to guide them through the treacherous waters of the NBA playoffs. His return is a story in itself, a final shot at an elusive championship with the team that helped define his legacy. Despite the obvious concerns about his age, Paul remains confident in the team’s collective experience. In a recent podcast appearance, he dismissed the narrative that their age is a weakness, stating, “the dopest part about our team is age or whatever, but it’s that we have so many different ways that we can play, and we got so many guys who done did so many different things in this league.” It is this veteran savvy and adaptability that the Clippers are banking on to carry them to the promised land.
However, the reality is that the Clippers are now the oldest team in NBA history for the 2025-26 season, a statistic that has been met with a healthy dose of skepticism from analysts and fans alike. The primary concern is, of course, health. An older roster is inherently more susceptible to injuries, and the grind of an 82-game season can take a heavy toll on aging bodies. The Clippers’ recent history with injuries, particularly to their star players, does little to assuage these fears. Critics argue that relying on a core group of players in their mid-to-late 30s is a risky proposition, and that the team could find itself struggling to keep its key contributors on the floor when it matters most.
This skepticism is reflected in some of the preseason predictions from major media outlets. Bleacher Report, for instance, projected the Clippers to finish with a 45-37 record, a significant step back from their 50-win performance last season. The rationale behind this prediction was, unsurprisingly, the team’s age and the perceived likelihood of injuries. However, this narrative is not without its detractors. The article from Clipperholics points out the inconsistency in this logic, noting that the Golden State Warriors, another aging team, were predicted to have a better record despite having older stars and adding a 39-year-old Al Horford to their starting lineup. This perceived disrespect has added a chip to the Clippers’ colle
