NBA Champion: Clippers Face Greater Pressure Than Lakers This Season
The NBA 2025-26 season is shaping up to be highly competitive. Teams like the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are poised to capitalize on the opportunities presented by injured squads. Meanwhile, the Western Conference boasts several contenders for the NBA Finals.
Pressure on LA Clippers vs. Lakers
As the Oklahoma City Thunder bask in the relief of their recent championship victory, another discussion takes center stage: which Los Angeles team bears greater pressure to clinch the title next season. Danny Green, a three-time NBA Champion, suggests that the Los Angeles Clippers carry more weight than the Lakers.
Insights from Danny Green
During a recent episode of Inside the Green Room with Danny Green, he ranked the Clippers as the team under the most pressure to win a title in 2026, placing the Lakers as a secondary concern. Green commented, “They’re just old as h* bro. You got James Harden, and you paid him again. You have a very short window to win with Kawhi.” This assessment underscores the urgency facing the Clippers as their roster includes several aging players.
Clippers’ Trade History Affects Current Pressure
Green’s analysis points to the consequences of the Paul George trade in 2019. This deal sent league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and multiple draft picks to the Thunder, who have emerged as significant challengers with two Top 20 players. This trade has amplified the scrutiny on the Clippers, as they have yet to reach the NBA Finals.
Lakers vs. Clippers: A Comparison
- Lakers: Recently crowned NBA Champions in 2020.
- Clippers: Facing pressure with an aging roster that lacks long-term pieces.
The Lakers, despite having an iconic player in LeBron James, have not built a roster that is optimized for present success. Instead, they appear to be positioning themselves for the future by eyeing talents like Luka Doncic and developing players like Austin Reaves.
Looking Ahead
For the Clippers, the urgency is palpable as Kawhi Leonard and James Harden may be nearing the end of their championship-contending window. Ivica Zubac stands as one of the few starters who could remain on the roster in the long term, emphasizing that the present season could be their best shot at achieving NBA glory.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on both Los Angeles teams, with the pressure mounting on the Clippers to deliver a title and validate their high-profile acquisitions.
