Each NBA team’s projected starting lineup for 2023–24
By Cal Durrett
Projected starting lineup: LA Clippers
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Paul George
Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard
Power Forward: Nic Batum
Center: Ivica Zubac
On paper—or on-screen—the Clipper’s starting lineup looks to be very solid, but it is largely dependent on health. Stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have struggled with injury issues since joining the Clippers back in the summer of 2019, but there is reason to be optimistic that each will play more this season. If that is the case, then LA could be several games better than their 45-37 record last season simply by having their stars play more.
Additionally, Westbrook, who was brought in late last season, played surprisingly well down the stretch and in their first-round playoff series against the Suns. With a full season there and a chance to play a lot with Kawhi and George, that might be just as impactful as any move the Clippers could have made.
Rounding out their starting five with veteran Nic Batum and Ivica Zubac. Batum is entering the final season of his career but can still contribute in bursts, while Zubac is an above-average center who helps anchor the Clippers. Overall, this is a very good starting lineup; it is just a question of how much their two stars will be able to play.