The Los Angeles Clippers are viewed by many as the frontrunners to win an NBA championship in 2022-23.
Between Kawhi Leonard returning — looking like the Incredible Hulk – and the additional depth that was added over the summer, it’s hard to find a more complete roster in the league.
This week, Clippers star Paul George spoke to the media about a myriad of topics.
One in particular that stood out was his admission about one expected and two surprising squads that may give his group trouble.
“Obviously, the [Golden State] Warriors, No. 1,” he said. “The best in the league, rightfully so, defending champions.”
That selection was understandable. His next two, however, were less obvious picks.
“The [Los Angeles] Lakers are the Lakers, they’re going to be a challenge,” George added. “[The Sacramento Kings are] a young up-and-coming team that can give you a rough night.”
That said, regardless of who is in the Clippers’ way – George is ready to run through them.
“My window is shrinking to be a champion,” George confessed.
“I think [focused] is the one word I can say to sum up the mindset going into this year.”
A video that went viral over the summer showing George wilding out and partying led to some questions about the level of seriousness he was approaching the 2022-23 NBA season with.
That said, if his media day comments were any indication – George is ready as ever to do work. He has long maintained that he deserves more respect around the league. This could be his opportunity to prove it.
George is going to be making $42.5 million this year. He is the seventh highest-paid player in the NBA in 2022-23 – slightly ahead of Leonard.
Olivia Dunne had herself a wild birthday party.https://t.co/z4v0mx2IDa
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 2, 2022
When you go into a year with $85 million carved away for two guys, the way the Clippers are, the expectation is nothing short of a championship.
Will L.A. finally be able to shed that monkey off their back and win the NBA title that has eluded them since the franchise’s conception?
Time will tell.
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