A weird, wild, and wacky season for the Los Angeles Clippers came to a definitive end this week as the Clips fell to the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In. Amid their ongoing grief, Clippers fans were somewhat soothed by Kawhi Leonard getting in front of a microphone and suggesting post-game that he wants to stay with the team moving forward.
But what really made Clippers die-hards perk up was a Friday piece from Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic, in which LeBron James was connected to the Clippers in some juicy free agency buzz.
Clippers called a convenient free-agent spot for LeBron James
"Per league sources, a move across town to the LA Clippers, where James has a very close relationship and championship history with coach Tyronn Lue, could also become part of the conversation," Woike and Amick wrote. "That route, unlikely though it is believed to be, would give James and his family a second option when it comes to staying put in Los Angeles."
So you're telling me there's a chance! (Jim Carrey voice). Clippers Nation probably didn't even notice the word "unlikely" worked into Woike and Amick's LeBron hot take. Why would they? It does nothing to cure their sadness about another disappointing campaign in the Kawhi era.
What would immediately transform that sadness into glee would be to see LeBron join Kawhi on the Clippers in 2026-27. Is this at all feasible, or are Woike and Amick just adding a provocative log to a fire that does nothing for anyone in mid-April?
LeBron-Clippers rumors are basically groundless, let's be honest
Lakers fans are sure to laugh at the rumor, pointing to the growing signs that LeBron is coming back to the purple and gold. Things definitely look more favorable on that front than they did midseason, when LeBron's fit on the Lake Show seemed impossible, and his summer exit likely. Then, everything switched when LeBron embraced a third option role, and LA started stacking wins. The entire vibe shifted, and LeBron's future began to crystallize.
At this point, something outrageous and unexpected would have to transpire for LeBron to end up with the Clippers. It's so awful that I hesitate to even say it out loud with Lakers fans reading this. It would have to be a torn ACL for Luka (if and when he returns this postseason) or something else completely terrible that placed the Lakers completely out of the competitive landscape for 2026-27.
Then, and only then, might LeBron consider hopping over to the Clippers and playing a season with his buddy Kawhi. Unlikely, I know, but Clippers fans will grab onto anything right now. Wishing for a Doncic injury would be in poor taste, but other outcomes are still possible. Until LeBron signs that next deal with the Lakers, the Clips remain a convenient alternative to his apparent destiny.
Add us as a preferred source on Google