""Man, we're playing to win," Lue said before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. "I don't care if it's young, old, toddlers ... whoever's on the floor, we're trying to win. I mean, we're trying to win. There's no other reason to play.""
"The Clippers started the season 6-21 and were a team in turmoil, with Bradley Beal suffering a season-ending hip injury, Chris Paul being ex-communicated by the franchise and Kawhi Leonard - already being investigated by the NBA for an Aspiration endorsement deal that allegedly involved salary cap circumvention by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer -- missing significant time because of a sprained ankle."
"But along the way, the Clippers completely restructured the roster, trading perennial All-Star James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for guard Darius Garland, who is yet to suit up for L.A. and big man Ivica Zubac for the Indiana Pacers for wing Benedict Mathurin."
Tyronn Lue emphasized that the Clippers are focused on winning regardless of personnel. The team began 6-21 amid injuries and internal turmoil, including Bradley Beal's season-ending hip injury, Chris Paul's fallout with the franchise, and Kawhi Leonard missing time with an ankle issue and an NBA investigation related to an endorsement. Lue challenged the roster in December to improve to 41-41 and the team responded, going 21-7 to reach 27-28. Leonard's return and increased availability fueled the surge. The organization also reshaped the roster with trades sending James Harden to Cleveland and Ivica Zubac to Indiana.
Read at ESPN.com
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