Everything changed when Paul George headed to Philly. Honestly, the vibe around the Intuit Dome feels different because the roster isn't just a collection of "four future Hall of Famers" anymore. It's younger. It's faster. It's significantly more defensive-minded. If you’re looking at the starting lineup for the los angeles clippers, you have to stop thinking about the "213 era" and start thinking about how Ty Lue builds a rotation that can actually survive 82 games without falling apart.
Ty Lue is basically a mad scientist with rotations. He doesn't care about your feelings or your career points average if the defensive rating is slipping.
The Anchors of the New Era
James Harden is the engine now. Without George, Harden has reverted to that high-usage, "points and assists" machine we saw in Houston, though maybe with a bit more gray in the beard and a smarter approach to pace. He’s the undisputed floor general. When you look at the starting lineup for the los angeles clippers, everything starts with whether James can manipulate the pick-and-roll well enough to find Ivica Zubac or a cutting wing.
Zubac is the most underrated center in the league. People forget he's only 27. He’s been the most consistent piece of this franchise for years, providing the screen-setting and rim protection that allows the guards to gamble on the perimeter. He isn't flashy. He isn't shooting threes. But he is the heartbeat of the defense.
Kawhi Leonard remains the ultimate wildcard. When he's on the floor, the Clippers are a legitimate threat to anyone in the West. When he's not, they are a gritty, play-in level squad trying to out-hustle more talented teams. The medical staff's management of his knee is the single most important factor for this season's success. It's a binary outcome: health equals contention, injury equals a lottery-adjacent struggle.
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Defensive Identity and the Role Players
Derrick Jones Jr. was a massive pickup. He brings that verticality and "point-of-attack" defense they desperately missed last year. You've probably seen him flying around for lobs, but it’s his ability to switch onto elite guards that gets him the starting nod. He fills the "glue guy" role perfectly.
Then there’s Terance Mann. T-Mann is the spiritual successor to the "Junkyard Dog" mentality. He doesn't need plays called for him. He just finds ways to win. Whether it’s a corner three or a contested rebound, he’s the connective tissue of the starting lineup for the los angeles clippers.
Why Small Ball Isn't the Only Answer Anymore
For years, the Clippers leaned into small-ball lineups to close games. That’s shifting. With the addition of Mo Bamba and the development of Kai Jones, the team has more legitimate size than they’ve had in the Steve Ballmer era.
Ty Lue loves flexibility.
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He might start a traditional lineup with Zubac, but don't be surprised if he pivots to a hyper-athletic group featuring Nicolas Batum at the five for specific matchups. Batum is back, and his "basketball IQ" is essentially like having a second coach on the floor. He knows where everyone should be before they even get there.
The Bench Spark and Rotation Battles
Norman Powell is technically the "Sixth Man," but he plays starter minutes. He’s a microwave. If the starting unit struggles to find a rhythm, Powell comes in and drops 10 points in four minutes. It’s a luxury most teams don't have.
The battle for the backup guard minutes between Kevin Porter Jr. and Kris Dunn is fascinating. Dunn is a defensive specialist. He’s there to disrupt. KPJ is there for pure creation. Depending on the opponent—say, a high-scoring guard like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander versus a defensive-heavy team like the Heat—Lue will toggle these minutes aggressively.
Strategic Nuance in the Western Conference
The West is a gauntlet. You have the size of Denver, the speed of OKC, and the shooting of Dallas. The starting lineup for the los angeles clippers has to be versatile enough to handle all three.
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- Against Denver: You need Zubac on the floor to bang with Jokic.
- Against OKC: You need the speed of Jones Jr. and Mann to track their wings.
- Against Dallas: It’s all about throw-away defenders to keep Luka and Kyrie uncomfortable.
Most analysts get this wrong by focusing solely on the star power. In reality, the Clippers' success depends on their "defensive floor." If they can stay in the top 10 in defensive efficiency, they can win any individual game because Harden and Leonard are still elite shot-creators.
The Intuit Dome Factor
Playing in a new arena matters more than people realize. The acoustics, the sightlines, the "Wall" of fans—it’s designed to create a home-court advantage that hasn't existed for this team since they shared a building with the Lakers. The energy of the crowd often dictates the intensity of the starting unit in the first six minutes.
Practical Insights for the Season
If you are tracking the Clippers this year, watch the first six minutes of the third quarter. That is when Ty Lue makes his most telling adjustments. If the starting lineup for the los angeles clippers comes out flat, he isn't afraid to bench a veteran for a hungry rookie or a defensive specialist.
- Monitor the injury report: Kawhi’s status is a daily variable. Use sites like Rotowire or the official NBA injury report rather than relying on social media rumors.
- Watch Zubac’s usage: If he’s getting 10+ shots, the Clippers are usually winning. It means the spacing is working.
- Keep an eye on the trade deadline: The Clippers have tradeable mid-sized contracts. This lineup could look different by February if they need more shooting.
The "Star Era" might be quieter, but the "Grind Era" is just beginning. This team is built to be a headache for the rest of the league. They are physical, they are deep, and they are coached by one of the best tactical minds in the history of the sport. Don't count them out just because the names on the back of the jerseys aren't as famous as they used to be. Success now is about the collective, not the individual.
Focus on the defensive rotations. Watch how Harden directs traffic. Pay attention to the way Jones Jr. disrupts the passing lanes. That is where the games will be won or lost this season.