A New Era in L.A.: Garland, Ingram and Strus Lead a Completely Rebuilt Clippers Into a Defining 2026‑27 Season
Clippers Enter the Season With a Reinvented Identity, a Reconstructed Core and a West That Won’t Wait
The 2026‑27 Los Angeles Clippers are not simply refreshed — they are rebuilt from the foundation up. After years of navigating injuries, inconsistency and an aging core, the franchise has undergone one of the most dramatic roster transformations in the league. Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Ivica Zubac, Bennedict Mathurin, John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanović are gone. In their place stands a new nucleus headlined by Darius Garland, Brandon Ingram, and Max Strus, supported by a deep cast of veterans and emerging talent.
This is not a retool. It is a reinvention.
Offseason Recap
- 2025‑26 Record: 42–40 (9th in West, lost in SoFi Play‑In Tournament)
- Key Additions: Johni Broome, Gradey Dick, Rui Hachimura, Brandon Ingram, Nick Martinelli, Baba Miller, Max Strus, Keaton Wagler
- Organizational Direction: Build around Garland and Ingram, add shooting, add size, add youth, reshape the rotation
The Clippers’ overhaul began at last season’s trade deadline with the Harden and Zubac deals. It accelerated this summer with Leonard’s departure and a wave of incoming talent. The result is a roster with more shooting, more playmaking, more positional versatility — and far more unknowns.
Season Outlook: A New Identity, A New Hierarchy, A New Challenge
The Clippers’ new core is built around two proven creators:
- Darius Garland — an All‑Star‑caliber playmaker who arrived in February and now takes full command of the offense.
- Brandon Ingram — fresh off an All‑Star season in Toronto, where he led the Raptors with 21.5 points per game and thrived as a midrange assassin.
Together, they give L.A. a dynamic inside‑outside engine. But they are far from alone.
The Clippers added:
- Max Strus, one of the league’s most reliable movement shooters
- Rui Hachimura, a versatile forward with playoff experience
- Gradey Dick, a young sharpshooter with upside
- Brook Lopez, still an elite rim protector and floor‑spacer
- Bradley Beal, a veteran scorer capable of carrying stretches
- Kris Dunn, a defensive specialist and steady hand
- Derrick Jones Jr., an athletic wing defender
- Keaton Wagler, the No. 5 pick and a potential long‑term backcourt pillar
Tyronn Lue’s challenge is clear: blend a roster with nearly a dozen new faces into a cohesive unit capable of surviving the West’s nightly gauntlet.
Breakout Candidate: Max Strus
Max Strus has already proven he can swing games with his shooting — but this season, he may become the Clippers’ offensive catalyst.
After missing 67 games last season with Cleveland due to a broken foot, Strus returned firing, hitting 40.2% from three. The year before, he shot 38.6% from deep as the Cavaliers finished second in the league in made threes.
His connection with Garland is already established. In Cleveland, Garland assisted Strus more than any other teammate.
Now, Strus joins a Clippers team where:
- Garland creates advantages at all three levels
- Ingram draws defenders inward with elite midrange scoring
- Lopez and Hachimura space the floor
- Beal and Jones Jr. add secondary creation
Strus could be the player who unlocks the geometry of L.A.’s offense — and his volume may spike dramatically.
Number to Know: 13.8
The Clippers were 13.8 points per 100 possessions better with Kawhi Leonard on the floor last season — the third‑largest on‑off differential among 263 qualifying players.
His departure forces a complete identity shift.
Last season’s opening‑night rotation featured 10 players. Only three — Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr. and Brook Lopez — remain. Leonard’s absence removes both an elite offensive hub and a defensive anchor. The Clippers must replace his impact by committee.
This season is about reinvention, not replication.
Five Must‑See Matchups
Oct. 23 — Clippers vs. Lakers
The Battle of L.A. arrives early. Garland, Ingram and Strus face Luka Dončić and the Lakers in a marquee test at Crypto.com Arena.
Nov. 1 — Clippers vs. Warriors
A rematch of last season’s Play‑In elimination. Golden State ended the Clippers’ year — now L.A. seeks payback.
Nov. 2 — Raptors vs. Clippers
Kawhi Leonard returns to the Intuit Dome for the first time as a visitor. Ingram and Dick face their former team.
Dec. 18 — Clippers vs. Heat
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Miami visit L.A. in a nationally televised showdown between two retooled contenders.
Dec. 31 — Clippers vs. Cavaliers
Garland’s emotional return to Cleveland, where he spent seven seasons and earned two All‑Star selections.
Preseason Storylines
1. Who Starts?
Garland and Ingram are locked in. The rest is wide open.
Candidates include:
- Kris Dunn
- Derrick Jones Jr.
- Brook Lopez
- Bradley Beal
- Max Strus
- Rui Hachimura
- Keaton Wagler
With only three preseason games, Lue has limited time to experiment.
2. Wagler’s Early Impact
The No. 5 pick enters camp with a real chance to earn immediate minutes. His development could shape the Clippers’ long‑term trajectory.
3. Chemistry Building
With so many new pieces, the Clippers must establish offensive rhythm and defensive communication quickly.
4. Ingram’s Integration
Ingram’s midrange-heavy style must blend with Garland’s pace and Strus’ spacing.
5. Lopez’s Role
Lopez remains one of the league’s best rim protectors. How Lue deploys him — especially alongside Ingram — will be a preseason focal point.
A Franchise Rebuilt — and Ready to Be Redefined
The Clippers have entered a new era. Garland is the conductor. Ingram is the scorer. Strus is the spacer. Lopez is the anchor. Beal is the wildcard. Wagler is the future.
The roster is deeper, younger, more flexible — and entirely different.
The question now is simple: Can Tyronn Lue turn a collection of talent into a contender?
