The Los Angeles Clippers’ midseason resurgence has been one of the quiet surprises in the Western Conference. NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes one roster change sits at the center of it.
Kendrick Perkins Credited Chris Paul’s Exit For the Clippers’ Resurgence
In a clip shared by NBA on ESPN on X, Perkins argued that the Clippers’ dramatic turnaround is rooted less in schematic changes and more in clarity of roles, collective buy-in, and a shift in the locker room dynamic after Chris Paul was removed from the rotation.
“Listen, in order for a team to go 15-3 over their last 18 games, they got to have chemistry,” Perkins said. “In order for guys to be stars in their role, what we’re starting to witness it, got to be a sense of togetherness. In order for coaches to be able to do their jobs at the highest level…. you got to have guys to buy in.”
“And right now, this is what we’re seeing. We’re seeing togetherness in this group. And this togetherness has transformed since they released a certain individual in CP3.”
“Now, I’m not pointing the finger. I’m just stating the obvious. The obvious is this group looks together. They have crawled their way back into the play-in tournament. And they’re going to continue to grow under the leadership of Kawhi, James, and Ty. Lou. And this team could be a problem come postseason time.”
Perkins’ remarks reflect a broader perception around the league that Paul’s presence, while respected, may have complicated role definition and on-court hierarchy.
The 40-year-old guard has not been with the team since Dec. 3 after appearing in just 16 games during his second stint with the franchise. Reports later surfaced indicating friction with Clippers management and head coach Tyronn Lue.
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On the floor, Paul’s role was limited. He averaged 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes per game, and the Clippers went 4–12 in games he played. Since his removal from the rotation, Los Angeles has surged from a 6–21 start to a 15–3 stretch, climbing back into the Western Conference play-in race.
Now sitting 10th in the West at 21–24, the Clippers appear more aligned around a clear hierarchy led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, with Ty Lue’s system finally gaining traction. Perkins’ blunt assessment suggests that stability has been the catalyst behind the Clippers’ late push.
The Clippers will be back in action against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with an opportunity to extend their winning streak further.