“We weren’t mentally tough…” Jamal Crawford spills bitter truth about ‘Lob City’ super team not winning championship

The Los Angeles Clippers team of the early 2010s to mid 2010s boasted superstars, but never won an NBA Championship.

Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford recently appeared on Paul George’s podcast, where he reflected on his time with the Los Angeles Clippers. Crawford offered his insight into why the team, despite its talented roster, was unable to win a championship. According to Crawford, the issue wasn’t a result of team feuds or conflicts, but rather a matter of mental toughness.

The Clippers‘ roster during Crawford’s time was undoubtedly impressive, featuring All-Stars like Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. The team also boasted solid role players, including JJ Redick, Matt Barnes, and Crawford himself. Despite their firepower and experience, the Clippers consistently fell short of their championship aspirations.

I think we weren’t mentally tough…I think when adversity hit, sometimes we went like this [hands diverging], not like this [hands together].
Jamal Crawford said

Jamal Crawford explains why Lob City couldn’t quite get over the hump and reflects on losing to Houston in the playoffs:

“That one’s gonna haunt me forever.” pic.twitter.com/dMV8nfOYsS
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) December 11, 2024

Crawford’s assessment echoes the sentiments of former teammate Dahntay Jones, who attributed the team’s shortcomings to poor chemistry. Jones believed that the team’s inability to gel and work together effectively ultimately hindered their ability to reach their full potential. The Clippers’ failure to advance beyond the Western Conference semifinals during their dominant era remains a lingering question mark.

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Clippers superstar set to return for the first time this season

LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has taken a significant step towards returning to action, participating in practice with the team for the first time this season. Leonard, 33, has been sidelined due to inflammation in his right knee, but coach Ty Lue reported that he looked good in practice. According to sources, Leonard could make his return to game action within the next two weeks, provided he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.

Kawhi makes his return to Clippers practice ?

More info here: https://t.co/fccZY1Hqj5 pic.twitter.com/zYs0hd3j4P
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 10, 2024

Despite Leonard’s absence, the Clippers have defied expectations and started the season with a 14-11 record, good for sixth place in the Western Conference. The team’s defense has been a key factor in their success, boasting the sixth-best defensive rating in the league. Norman Powell has also been a revelation, increasing his scoring average from 13.9 points last season to 23.6 points this season, earning him early consideration for the Most Improved Player award.

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The Clippers have hit a rough patch recently, losing three of their last five games. The team also announced that Derrick Jones Jr. will be sidelined for two weeks with a right hamstring strain. However, Leonard’s impending return has given the team a much-needed boost, with coach Lue noting that his presence provided a lift for the squad.