NBA: LA Clippers team profile and news ahead of the new campaign

The Los Angeles Clippers take on their city-rivals the Los Angeles Lakers on the opening day of the new NBA season October 23, 2019. Their preseason has been decent with 2 wins and 3 losses. Coach Doc Rivers have got some key additions to his side that out-performed expectations last season. We look at the team profile for the LA Clippers ahead of their exciting opening day clash.

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Last Season: 2018-19 Record: 48-34, lost in the first round of playoffs

As mentioned, the Clippers massively out-performed their expectations after trading leading scorer Tobias Harris on February 6 and still managed to beat NBA final runner-ups Golden State Warriors twice in the first round. Lou Williams took over the role of the premier scorer and Rivers managed his side brilliantly. The Clippers, then not only added Kawhi Leonard but also Paul George in the off season. Instantly, they became the team to beat and will make the cross-town games with the Lakers an interesting event. The Clippers also extended Patrick Beverley’s contract in the offseason. The Clippers also acquired Maurice Harkless to add to their in-form squad.

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Key additions: Paul George (trade), Kawhi Leonard (free agency), Maurice Harkless (trade), Patrick Patterson (free agency), Mfiondu Kabengele (Draft)

Key subtractions: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Garrett Temple, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari

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LA Clippers Roster:

Patrick Beverley, Amir Coffey, Paul George, Donte Grantham, JaMychal Green, Maurice Harkless, Montrezl Harrell, Mfiondu Kabengele, Terry Larrier, Kawhi Leonard, Mathias Lessort, Terance Mann, Rodney McGruder, Johnathan Motley, James Palmer Jr., Patrick Patterson, Jerome Robinson, Landry Shamet, B.J. Taylor, Derrick Walton Jr., Lou Williams, Ivica Zubac

Strengths

Clippers will be elite defensively, thanks to the additions made. Leonard and George can guard multiple positions and with Patrick Beverley in the mix, things might really be good at the back for the Clippers. The Clippers have three players -- Leonard, George and Williams -- who averaged at least 20 points last season. This should undoubtedly give the side confidence going into the new season. Montrezl Harrell (6'8)  will most likely be the late-game center again.

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The Clippers boast a coach Rivers, who has a championship (Boston), Leonard, who has two championships (Spurs and Raptors). That, plus a bunch of seasoned players complete their squad. They appear to be well-equipped to make another deep run this season.