The Clippers didn't make much action during the offseason. They just traded Shamet for Kennard, renewed Morris' contract with 64 million in four years, and then signed a free agent for 19 million in two years. Ibaka.

The Clippers took a big advantage by signing Ibaka. It was previously reported that the Raptors were willing to give Ibaka a one-year contract worth more than 12 million, but Ibaka still chose the Clippers. Ibaka is an inside player with three-pointers and support capabilities. He can help the team open up space and can also deal with all-around inside players like Davis. This signing will undoubtedly enhance the Clippers' strength.

However, the Clippers' fundamental contradiction still cannot be solved. The Clippers need an offensive guard so that Leonard will not be double-teamed by the opponent. If this offensive guard can The team creates offensive space so that Leonard's role in organizing the forwards will be better utilized.

After the Clippers renewed Morris, it means that they are less dependent on George. After acquiring Ibaka, the Clippers can play a big lineup. They can combine Zubac and Ibaka at the same time. Bacca puts two big men on the court, so Morris can play small forward and Leonard can play shooting guard. It is also a good choice to pair up with an offensive guard.

Leonard and George cannot produce the effect of 1+1 greater than 2. Their functions are somewhat repetitive. If the Clippers want Leonard to play a greater role, they should trade George. Let Leonard become a true point forward.

Although George's contract expires in 2022, it has a player option in 2021. This also means that the Clippers have a one-year probation period for George. Therefore, it is a good choice for the Clippers to trade George for an offensive guard. .

The defender who fits the Clippers is Westbrook. Westbrook’s greatest strength is breakthrough. If you want Westbrook to break through with the ball and let Leonard play without the ball, the effect may be better than Leonard attacking with the ball. Much better, Westbrook's breakthrough can stir up the opponent's entire defense, so Leonard can fish in troubled waters.

Westbrook and Ibaka have played for the Thunder. The two have a tacit understanding of pick-and-roll cooperation, so Ibaka's role is also played out. When Ibaka reaches the high position and the opponent wants to let him go, he is Having three-point ability can help Westbrook attract defense.

In fact, Westbrook performed well in the regular season. He scored 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7 assists in the regular season, and his shooting percentage of 47% was the highest in his career. Westbrook was just He got the new crown and then got injured, which reduced Westbrook's power a lot. If it was a normal Westbrook, the Lakers would not be able to easily defeat the Rockets 4-1.

After the arrival of Westbrook, the Clippers' lineup will become more reasonable. Kennard's excellent defense can help Westbrook do a lot of garbage work, and if Kennard develops three-point skills, he will be an excellent 3D player. Therefore, the Clippers' introduction of him can be understood as equipping Westbrook with a partner to do dirty work, so the partnership between Westbrook and Kennard is very suitable.

George is replaced by Westbrook, and the Clippers as a whole are completely revived. Leonard can be very liberated. In this lineup, Ibaka can be 4 or 5, and Leonard can guard James alone. , and then let Westbrook attack the Lakers' defense. The Clippers' lineup was built for the Lakers, and their strength should be much stronger than last season.

But the Clippers still built a lineup to deal with the Lakers, but their substitutes have become a weakness. After trading Harrell, the Clippers' substitute strength has been significantly weakened. They have to find ways to strengthen the team's substitute lineup. Can.