Golden State Warriors: Ranking 5 biggest challengers in West

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 15, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 15, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

LA Clippers can challenge Golden State Warriors for a playoff spot

Life will not be easy for the LA Clippers who are set to play a majority (if not the entire) season without Kawhi Leonard. A torn ACL is something that can be fully overcome with modern medicine but Kawhi’s laundry list of leg injuries is a reason for concern.

Even so, the Clippers can not be counted out. With the Golden State Warriors looking to crack into the playoff picture — they’ll need to bump somebody who was present last year. This makes the Clippers one of their prime competitors.

The Dubs have plenty of early-season adversities they need to overcome. The introduction of a few free agents and the debut of two rookies will lead to some growing pains. And, Klay Thompson is not expected to return until Christmas.

Assuming the Clippers have just enough to stay afloat even without Kawhi, this inner-division rivalry could become a battle for the final playoff spots.

Paul George was a top-three MVP candidate the year before joining the Clippers and looked like a superstar in the playoffs without Kawhi. I’d expect George to keep the Clippers in the postseason picture and contend with the Dubs for one of the non-Play-In positions.