When the NBA brought the hammer of justice down on the Los Angeles Clippers for the Kawhi Leonard scandal, their initial response was that of defiance. The official statement from the franchise discussed an intent to 'vigorously challenge' the findings. Throw that out the window.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is complying with the NBA's punishments of the franchise for salary cap circumvention, deciding not to pursue any legal action. Statement from Ballmer:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 14, 2026
This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I…
On Sunday, Steve Ballmer and the franchise admitted a quick defeat in their challenge of the NBA's findings. The Clippers owner issued an apology to the team's fans and expressed his willingness to accept responsbility for the Leonard scandal. LA's little brother was ready to comply with the penalties, fines, and committed to moving forward.
A major part of what should lie ahead is the Los Angeles Lakers holding a death grip over being the best basketball team in the city. That has typically been the case throughout the history of both franchises being in Los Angeles. However, the Clippers deserve some flowers. They were far more competitive during recent years.
Unfortunately for them, this should be a regression to the mean for the Clippers. The foundation they have right now is lackluster. Being stripped of five first-round picks will only make it more difficult for them to truly improve it. The Lakers have very little to fear around Los Angeles.
Luka Doncic's Lakers are poised to lord over Los Angeles
By contrast to the Clippers' middling situation, the Lakers are set up with a foundation that is built to keep them within striking distance of a championship for the near future. That all starts with the superstar they have at the top. Luka Doncic gives any team a chance.
Doncic is an MVP-level talent and top-five player in the world. On his best days, the Slovenian superstar will even look like the very best hooper that is in the NBA. All in all, Luka is a great starting point for the Lakers to feel great about.
An ascending Austin Reaves gives Doncic a proper co-star, and a one-two tandem that can rival the best in the league. That type of high-end talent can steal basketball games on any given night.
Where the Lakers will need to get more decisive answers is from their supporting cast around those stars. Rob Pelinka and company went all in on a makeover this summer. They are hoping Walker Kessler and crew prove as complimentary as intended.
Even if the Lakers need to fix up the formula just a smidge, they are still positioned to be the premier franchise in Los Angeles for a good while. The measures available for the Clippers to close the gap are going to be limited. Little brother should stay just that and not much more in the meantime.
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