What is the Los Angeles Clippers' Starting Lineup?
When the Clippers are at full strength, their starting unit offers a blend of high-end scoring, creation, and defensive toughness. James Harden directs the offense with his passing and shot-making, Kawhi Leonard delivers reliable two-way impact, and Ivica Zubac anchors the interior with his rebounding and paint production.
Can this lineup stay healthy, and can head coach Tyronn Lue use them correctly? That remains to be see
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| Point Guard | James Harden |
| Shooting Guard | Kris Dunn |
| Small Forward | Kawhi Leonard |
| Power Forward | John Collins |
| Center | Ivica Zubac |
Point Guard - James Harden
James Harden leads the Clippers’ offense with elite scoring, sharp playmaking, and veteran leadership. A skilled ball-handler and primary facilitator, he creates chances for teammates, logs heavy minutes, and remains central to Los Angeles’ future, averaging 26.2 points per game.
Shooting Guard - Kris Dunn
Kris Dunn anchors the Clippers’ defense, using his lateral quickness and active hands to generate steals and disrupt opponents. Offensively, he plays within the flow, providing balance to a roster loaded with scoring while showing improved three-point shooting.
Small Forward - Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard headlines the Clippers’ starting lineup as a versatile forward who can play either small or power forward. A perennial MVP contender, he scores at all three levels, creates for teammates, and excels in clutch situations. His elite perimeter defense and overall two-way impact make him the foundation of Los Angeles’ championship hopes.
Power Forward - John Collins
John Collins has given the Clippers a real jolt with his athleticism and energy, bringing more physicality to their frontcourt. His size and elite rebounding fill a major need, and his ability to stretch the floor with above-the-break shooting makes him an ideal fit in the starting lineup.
Center - Ivica Zubac
Ivica Zubac holds down the interior for the Clippers with strong defense, consistent rebounding, and reliable finishing around the rim. His size and post presence are vital for controlling the boards and protecting the basket. Zubac’s chemistry with James Harden is a key part of the offense, as he is often the primary target in pick-and-roll actions.
Who is on the Los Angeles Clippers’ Bench?
The Clippers’ bench this season has been bolstered with experienced, high-impact players, including Brook Lopez and John Collins. This veteran-heavy rotation adds scoring punch and provides reliable minutes, strengthening the team’s depth and giving Los Angeles more flexibility and balance throughout games.
| Position | 2nd String | 3rd String | 4th String |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Guard | Chris Paul | Bogdan Bogdanovic* | Bradley Beal* |
| Shooting Guard | Bogdan Bogdanovic* | Jordan Miller* | Cam Christie |
| Small Forward | Kobe Sanders | Bogdan Bogdanovic* | Nicolas Batum |
| Power Forward | Nicolas Batum | Kobe Brown | Jahmyl Telfort |
| Center | Brook Lopez | Yanic Konan Niederhauser | John Collins |
*out with injury
Who Is the Clippers’ 6th Man?
John Collins serves as the Clippers’ top sixth man, bringing athleticism, versatility, and scoring punch off the bench. He energizes the second unit with his ability to finish at the rim, stretch the floor with reliable shooting, and excel in pick-and-roll situations. Collins also provides a defensive boost, using his length and mobility to guard multiple positions, making him a key contributor whenever the starters rest.
Get to Know the Los Angeles Clippers Front Office
| Position | Staff Member |
| General Manager | Trent Redden |
| Head Coach | Tyronn Lue |
| Associate Head Coach | Larry Drew |
Who Is the Clippers' Head Coach?
Tyronn Lue was once one of the speediest players in the NBA when he played for the Lakers and he has been an NBA head coach since he replaced David Blatt in Cleveland in January 2016. He lasted 2.5 years with the Cavs and then was fired after an 0-6 start. Lue was an assistant to Doc Rivers before being promoted to head coach on Oct. 20, 2020.
Who Is the Clippers’ General Manager?
Redden was hired in 2017 as an assistant general manager and was promoted after Michael Winger departed to take over Monumental Sports, the parent company of the Washington Wizards.
Los Angeles Clippers FAQs
Steve Ballmer is the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, acquiring the franchise for roughly $2 billion in what was then the second-highest price ever paid for a North American sports team. The purchase was finalized on August 12, 2014.
The Los Angeles Clippers have two presidents overseeing different sides of the organization. Gillian Zucker serves as the President of Business Operations, managing the franchise’s off-court and organizational affairs. Lawrence Frank is the President of Basketball Operations, directing the team’s roster decisions and on-court strategy.
The Los Angeles Clippers’ starting five this season features James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn, John Collins, and Ivica Zubac. Together, they combine high-level scoring, dynamic playmaking, versatile perimeter and interior defense, and a strong presence in the paint, giving the team a balanced, flexible lineup that can influence the game on both offense and defense.
James Harden is averaging 26.2 points per game this season, making him the leading scorer for the Los Angeles Clippers. He was also the team’s top scorer last season, continuing his role as the primary offensive force and playmaker for the squad.
Bill Walton, Bob McAdoo, Ernie DiGregorio, Danny Manning and Randy Smith are considered the best players in franchise history. There's also a case to be made for players like Elton Brand, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and Paul George.
Author
Robert B. Hayek has been writing about sports for over a decade and is currently a member of the Gambling.com Group team. In his spare time, he runs the largest sports meetup group in Orange County, CA, actively participating in every sport imaginable. He is also a published author of five thriller novels, all available on Amazon.
