The Los Angeles Clippers might have been the single most disappointing team in the NBA this season. Even with the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Lou Williams, and Doc Rivers; they were not cohesive enough to even make the Western Conference Finals despite having the best talent in the NBA. It takes more than star power on the court and on the bench to be successful, and many teams showed this.
A team with young and hungry pups in the Miami Heat proved that star talent doesn’t always mean success. The Denver Nuggets also showed how team chemistry is key to being a factor for an NBA title, while the Lakers were the single most cohesive team with the best duo in the league. In fact, the Lakers might have had the best all-around squad with very capable role players to surround the superstar talents of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
If the Clippers want to compete for a title next year, they might want to take a page out of the Lakers book and steal some of their key role players to build championship chemistry and a winning attitude. Here are the players the Clippers can steal from the Lakers in the offseason.
6. DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins has unfortunately inherited the severe injury bug which has taken him from superstar status to a player without a job. Cousins, when healthy, was a legitimate franchise player who was arguably the best center in basketball. While those days are long gone, Cousins can still be effective if he trims off a lot of his weight and just focuses on his pure skillset.
Cousins can be an old school center down low with size and force, but he is also finesse enough to make jump shots and can be an excellent player for the Clippers. If Cousins can be an enforcer around the rim and a great stretch big man on offense, the Clippers might take a chance at signing him.
5. Markieff Morris
Everybody knew why the Lakers were signing Markieff Morris. He is a no-nonsense veteran who has toughness and grit, invaluable attributes for a team gunning for an NBA title. While his brother Marcus Morris signed with the Clippers, Markieff felt the Lakers had the best shot of winning it all. And he was right because the Lakers have the best chemistry in the NBA led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Markieff wasn’t just a benchwarmer either, as he had plenty of big performances in the playoffs this year. Markieff can space the floor with shooting and has the size to defend down low. If the Clippers want to build a winning culture, singing the tough-minded Morris to pair with his brother would be an excellent option.
4. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
KCP had a decent season this year and has remained relatively consistent with what he brings to the team. He is a nice shooter from deep and plays good defense on the wing. He is also experienced now in terms of playing with LeBron James, so his awareness of how to play with superstars is a big plus for the Clippers who have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Now, KCP is signed with Klutch Sports which means he will likely opt to stay with the Lakers next season. KCP has proved he is worthy of being a role player alongside LeBron James and is a very stout perimeter defender. KCP will always be able to knock down shots and play his role very well alongside LeBron, so his place should be secure with the Lakers.
3. Avery Bradley
Avery Bradley was not there for the NBAs restart in the Bubble, but he was one of the best Lakers all season long. Bradley has long been a player who doesn’t impact the score sheet but impacts a game with his hustle and defense. Bradley plays hard every night, can defend 3 positions very well, and can also play both guard spots when required to. He is also a nice shooter from deep and has plenty of experience in the league already.
The Clippers would take Bradley in a heartbeat because his aggressive defense will be perfect alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Bradley does have a player option, so the Clippers can only acquire him if he opts out.
2. Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard was one of the best stories in the NBA this season. For a player that used to be so dominant, it was strange seeing him out of the league without much recognition. The Lakers took a chance with him, and he answered the challenge by playing with his heart all season long. In many ways, Dwight had to earn his spot back in the NBA and he convinced every NBA team that he is a valuable presence.
The Clippers would absolutely love to acquire Dwight because of his defensive prowess, veteran experience, and because he knows how to be effective in his role now. Dwight Howard might still be good enough to start games, and the Clippers can convince him to take a new challenge and play with Kawhi Leonard and win his 2nd ring.
1. Rajon Rondo
Without a doubt, the player the Clippers probably dream about acquiring is Rajon Rondo. It is so strange seeing Rondo play for the Lakers after he was such a star for the rival Boston Celtics a decade ago, but this is the modern NBA. Therefore, the Clippers can probably think they can steal the Lakers 3rd best playoff performer this season and have him play lockdown defense for them. The Clippers could have certainly used Playoff Rondo’s performances to help them close out Denver when they were up 3-1 in the series.
The Clippers don’t need Rondo to play like a star all year, which is clearly unrealistic, but they could use his basketball brain. The man is literally a coach on the floor and he will be invaluable in the Clippers bid to win an NBA title for the first time in their franchise history. If the Clippers want to steal any player the most from the Lakers, it is likely veteran point guard Rajon Rondo.
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