It’s solely two video games into an 82-game season, and frustration already appears to be on the Los Angeles Clippers’ agenda. Throughout LA’s recreation in Utah in opposition to the Jazz, Kawhi Leonard’s physique language stated rather more than he ever would publicly following Russell Westbrook’s game-winning shot try.

In equity to Westbrook, Leonard had simply missed what would have been the game-winner from behind the arc to beat the shot clock. The rebound bounced off the facet of the rim proper into Russ’ clutches with simply seconds remaining. Initially, the response is accountable Westbrook, particularly after seeing the shot come up brief. Nicholas Batum was just a few toes away on the wing with about three seconds on the clock, however at that time, a fast choice was wanted to get any shot off.

Nonetheless, that isn’t the true challenge right here. This was the second recreation of the season. In fact, you’d choose Westbrook to kick it out to Batum or get it again to Leonard, however Kawhi falling to the ground because the shot goes up is what’s grabbing everybody’s consideration. If Kawhi hadn’t fallen to the ground along with his head down, people would have shortly moved previous this loss. It’s the second recreation of the 12 months, so it’s not a giant deal.

This looks like only the start of a season filled with frustration, just like what the Lakers skilled throughout Russ’ brief tenure on that facet of Crypto.com Area. The funnier half is that the group is critically contemplating including James Harden to this calamity.

The Clippers ought to win lots of video games this 12 months no matter whether or not they purchase Harden however including him to the combination doesn’t enhance their odds of successful a championship. And we’re not speaking about odds on Las Vegas betting traces. They’ll enhance their odds ought to that commerce occur as a result of they know lots of fools will take the bait.

When it comes all the way down to it, this group’s title window has been slammed shut. Leonard and Paul George don’t play sufficient, and Westbrook gained’t be capable to decide up all of the slack. On paper, including Harden looks as if a superb transfer to many, however we’ve witnessed Harden within the postseason for much too lengthy. The deeper his groups have gone, the much less we’ve seen of MVP Harden. The Clippers could be higher off choosing up a few high-end position gamers who can are available in and contribute instantly, including to their depth.

Perhaps Leonard’s response to Westbrook’s shot was taken out of context, however the optics didn’t look good. Within the age of social media, that’s all it takes for one thing to take off and go viral. Unhealthy physique language tells its personal story and doesn’t look ahead to an evidence. This could be one thing Kawhi must clear up with Russ as a result of it seemed like he’d misplaced all religion in Westbrook after that one failed try. It’s powerful enjoying a complete season with a degree guard you don’t belief with the ball in his fingers.