Ceiling, floor for Los Angeles Clippers: Time is running out for Paul George and Kawhi Leonard

The Los Angeles Clippers haven't lived up to the lofty expectations placed on them after they made big splashes during the 2019 offseason. Whether they have the talent capable of winning a title is yet to be determined, but either way, it's championship or bust for them this season. 

Here's our prediction of the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Clippers:

Ceiling: 48-34 and Western Conference Finals appearance 

The Clippers have seen Kawhi Leonard and Paul George play in just 118 games together since they arrived in Los Angeles. With both holding player options for the 2024-25 season, this could be the organization's last chance to win a championship with them. And given that both are fully healthy entering 2023, it could be Los Angeles' greatest opportunity to accomplish that goal.

While Los Angeles' fate will largely depend on its star duo, point guard Russell Westbrook could be the difference maker in a playoff run. An underwhelming Clippers offense came alive once Westbrook signed with the team this past February, posting the seventh-best offensive rating (119.5) from his debut to the season's end. If he displays even a fraction of his performance from last season's playoffs, when he averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists, Los Angeles might make it back to the conference finals.

The possibility of trading for Philadelphia's 10-time All-Star James Harden still remains, too. A trade would elevate the Clippers to title-contender status, but only if a deal is struck soon. Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Clippers want to reach an agreement "sooner, rather than later," though the 76ers hold all the cards. Adding Harden at the trade deadline would be risky since Los Angeles wouldn't have much time to build chemistry before the playoffs. 

Floor: 42-40 and play-in tournament exit 

Although Leonard and George are healthy to begin the season, it wouldn't be shocking if either or both missed an extended period of time. Neither star has appeared in 60 games in a single season with Los Angele and George's 56 games played last year were his most in a Clippers uniform. No matter how talented they are, they're the most unreliable pairing in the Association in terms of availability.

Last season, Los Angeles finished as the Western Conference's fifth seed, narrowly avoiding the play-in tournament. It could find itself there this time around. According to Positive Residual, the Clippers have the 11th most-difficult schedule this season and will be traveling the most miles among teams, which could prove challenging for the NBA's second-oldest roster. 

Seven wins separated the Clippers from being left out of the postseason entirely. Considering each play-in team made more roster improvements than Los Angeles did this offseason, it's possible it will hover around .500 all season, especially given their existing concerns.