Los Angeles Clippers: 5 Reasons Behind Early Struggles

November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against Toronto Raptors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against Toronto Raptors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Clippers
November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against Toronto Raptors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Clippers aren’t in trouble yet, but they do have some major problem areas that need to be addressed.

After a promising 4-0 start, the Los Angeles Clippers have come crashing down to earth, posting an abysmal 2-7 record over their last nine games. For a team that was pegged as a legitimate title contender coming into the 2015-16 season, falling below .500 for the first time this season marked a new low for a team that’s already been hard to endorse with their penchants for choking and whining every step of the way.

If it weren’t for the Houston Rockets, the Clippers’ recent imploding act would probably have put them in the spotlight as one of the league’s biggest disappointments so far this season.

However, before anyone goes diving off the deep end with panicky hot takes, let’s consider that two of their last three losses came against good teams and that they’re only one game below .500.

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Sure, trailing the Toronto Raptors by 29 at home was not a good look, and yes, that epic collapse against the Golden State Warriors was oh so Clippers, but this team has way too much talent to miss the playoffs. Sooner or later, they’ll figure it out.

Until that time, however, it’s worth taking a look at the reasons behind the team’s early struggles in order to pinpoint exactly what needs to change. The Clippers aren’t in trouble just yet, but if they don’t address these five problem areas, they stand no chance of living up to their preseason billing as title contenders.

Next: No. 5