Clippers GM FIRES WARNING to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George after disappointing end to another season

Lawrence Frank calls out the superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for missing regular season games.


Clippers GM FIRES WARNING to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George after disappointing end to another season

Lawrence Frank, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George

The Los Angeles Clippers have once again disappointed their fans and questions around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s future continue. And, this time Clippers’ General Manager Lawrence Frank has delivered a warning to its superstar duo, especially Kawhi Leonard as Paul George isn’t that unavailable. The title drought and early post-season exits continue for the Clippers. As the Kevin Durant-led Phoenix Suns recently pulled down the curtain on them with a gentleman’s sweep.

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The result was very expected as the Los Angeles Clippers didn’t have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George available in the line-up while going against the Suns. Russell Westbrook gave out all his efforts but he wasn’t able to upset the Phoenix Suns as with two other superstars missing they were shorthanded. And, in that situation, the road isn’t easy with Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and Devin Booker as your opponents.

Kawhi Leonard played only two of the five games in the series and Paul George was never available to suit in. The reason behind their unavailability was knee injuries. Kawhi Leonard suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee and was sidelined during the series. While Paul George is out since 21st March and recovering from a sprained knee. Injuries once again destroyed a playoff contention superteam formed by Clippers.

But the excessive load management used by them can also be blamed for their early exit. And, that’s what recent comments of general manager Lawrence Frank portray. Kawhi Leonard sat out many regular-season games under load management just to extend his career to ball out once the playoffs begin. But that plan didn’t work as he ended up getting injured and being a low-seeded team they got tough opponents. The Clippers now are probably done using load management especially, for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. As Lawrence Frank reflecting on the disappointing season sent out a very straight comment for the superstars.

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Clippers GM Lawrence Frank takes a jab at Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for missing regular season games

Paul George and Kawhi Leonard (Credits: Mark J. Terrill, AP)
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard (Credits: Mark J. Terrill, AP)

General Manager Lawrence Frank recently talking about the disappointing season quoted: “We have to be honest with ourselves. We have to look in the mirror. It starts with me. We have to get back to honoring and respecting the regular season.” Further, Lawrence Frank added: “The regular season matters. Not that our guys don’t think it matters. I think all of us, starting with me, we can compete harder every single day. We can hold each other accountable every day.”

Kawhi Leonard’s load management was very disappointing and ruined the Clippers’ postseason run. He suited up for only 52 games and didn’t live up to the expectations the franchise had of him. Paul George though isn’t blamed for using load management as he was sidelined most of the time due to injuries and was available for only 56 games. So even he has to stay healthy and help the team to get a better record.

The Clippers though still have years left on Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s contract. They can even have Russell Westbrook back and run it again. The fans though want them to blow it up and rebuild after years of no good success (since 2019), except for a Conference Final appearance. But the organization would stick around and try delivering a championship instead of blowing up another superteam whose real potential was never tapped. They’ll also hope their superstar duo to remain healthy and be more available.  

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