At the start of last season, the arrival of James Harden triggered a six-game losing streak for the LA Clippers, and BD Cricket Live sports analysts noted the team went through an especially painful adjustment period. But everything changed after Harden hit a game-winner against his former team, the Rockets. That single shot seemed to ignite newfound chemistry among the roster. What followed was one of the most promising stretches in five years for the Clippers, highlighted by a winning streak so dominant that fans dubbed it a “Northern Expedition.”

By the final weeks of the regular season, the Clippers had climbed high enough in the standings to begin resting players early and even had the luxury of choosing their playoff matchup. They looked poised for a deep postseason run. Yet to the shock of fans and analysts alike, the team crumbled in the first round against the Dallas Mavericks. That early exit didn’t just disappoint supporters — it plunged the franchise into uncertainty. For four straight years, Kawhi Leonard had missed crucial playoff games due to lingering injuries. Just when the team hoped he would return to championship form, his body once again betrayed him. Swelling in his knee caused him to miss multiple closing regular season games, and when he rushed back for the playoffs, his performance dipped dramatically.

In the final two games of the series against Dallas, the Clippers were desperate. Coaches and teammates urged Kawhi to push through the pain, but he chose to sit out in street clothes, watching from the sidelines as the team was eliminated. Reviewing his season in hindsight feels bitterly ironic. Earlier that year, Kawhi had inked a three-year, $152.4 million extension. BD Cricket Live reporters believe team owner Steve Ballmer was convinced by Kawhi’s regular-season durability and expected him to anchor the team in key moments. But once again, those hopes were dashed.

As a result, Ballmer — usually known for aggressive spending — drastically changed course this offseason. While Paul George was expected to receive a contract on par with Kawhi’s, the Clippers took a tougher stance. Though they signaled a willingness to keep George, they held firm during negotiations. Feeling undervalued, George opted to walk, eventually landing a max deal with the 76ers. Despite being 34 and coming off a season where he averaged just 22.6 points per game — his lowest in three years — George remained highly sought-after in a league that still places a premium on versatile wings.

The Clippers knew George had value, but they also knew the heartbreak of building around two injury-prone stars. That hard-earned lesson led them to move on. Another key reason? James Harden. While his numbers dipped last season — 16.6 points and 8.5 assists per game — BD Cricket Live insiders say the Clippers saw this as a result of Harden adjusting to the team system rather than declining ability. In fact, Harden was one of the few players who kept fighting during the team’s lackluster playoff showing.

There’s cautious optimism that a revamped two-star system, with Harden playing a larger role, could restore his elite status. The Clippers quickly re-signed him to a two-year, $70 million deal — not extravagant, but fair considering last offseason’s market snub. And Harden’s presence benefited others too. Ivica Zubac posted a career-high 11.7 points per game and a personal best 64.9% shooting rate, thanks in large part to Harden’s playmaking.

Zubac had been the subject of numerous trade rumors over the past five years, but with a new three-year, $58.6 million contract, he finally found some stability at age 27. That stability, however, didn’t extend to other bigs. Veterans like Mason Plumlee and Daniel Theis became casualties of the team’s shift, forced to seek new opportunities elsewhere. On the perimeter, Russell Westbrook also saw his value decline after Harden’s extension. Feeling sidelined, Westbrook left for the Denver Nuggets in hopes of revitalizing his role.

The Clippers have made several modest roster moves as well. They signed Mo Bamba to bolster the frontcourt, brought back Nicolas Batum for wing depth, and added Kris Dunn for backcourt defense. While it’s unclear how much on-court value this trio will deliver, their low-risk contracts reflect a lottery ticket approach. More significantly, the team landed Michael Porter Jr. and Derrick Jones Jr., two players expected to play bigger roles in the upcoming season.

Even so, compared to teams like the Celtics and Suns — both still spending big in pursuit of a title — BD Cricket Live analysts believe the Clippers have clearly taken a step back in the NBA’s arms race. Their new strategy may be more measured, but it also means they’re no longer leading the charge.