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NBA: 6 teams facing the most pressure to finally win the championship in 2023-24

By Manolis Olandezos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Devin Booker #1 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrate during Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 05, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 121-114. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Devin Booker #1 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrate during Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 05, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 121-114. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Kawhi Leonard and Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers duo (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports) /

LA Clippers

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George shocked the NBA when they decided to join forces with the LA Clippers in 2019. Two of the most talented wings in the league were not only entering their primes but would play together. Expectations were that the Clippers would immediately contend for the NBA title.

Four years have passed, and the Clippers have made it to the Western Conference only once. Neither Leonard nor George has played more than 57 games in a single season since joining the Clippers. They have only played together in 118 of 308 possible regular season games since the start of the 2019-20 season. The Clippers have a record of 83-35 in those games.

The 2023-24 season could be the last chance for Leonard and George to pursue a championship together. Both have player options for the 2024-25 season. It’s not yet certain if they will opt in. Russell Westbrook, Marcus Morris, Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington are also free agents after this upcoming season.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is preparing for his team to move into the new Intuit Dome for the 2024-25 season. Considering the investment he made, Ballmer too is under pressure to field a championship contender to fill those seats. This season is a make-or-break year for the Clippers in more ways than one.

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