Kawhi Leonard 's post-game verdict on the LA Clippers following their narrow 125-122 loss to the Lakers sounded pessimistic, but the Western Conference standings say their season is far from finished.
The defeat in Los Angeles left the Clippers just inside the Play-In Tournament picture rather than knocked out entirely.
While Leonard's tone reflected frustration, the statistical reality still offers a pathway to the postseason.
Photo by Tanner Pearson/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images
In remarks shared by Joey Linn , Leonard said, "Just development over time. I think it's over now. It's a fourth of the season left. But every day is a day to grow. A day to learn and get better.
"So just gotta keep looking over time and see in two weeks if we're getting better and see what happens from there."
The Lakers game was tight, with Los Angeles battling through stretches against a playoff-caliber team before ultimately falling short.
Leonard's comment suggested he was frustrated with the process and progress rather than officially conceding their season.
Given how tightly packed the Western standings are, a single loss, even to a strong rival, does not automatically derail a hopeful campaign when the Play-In window still looms. As of the latest standings, the Clippers sit ninth in the Western Conference.
The current Western Conference format allows teams seeded 7th through 10th to qualify for the NBA's Play-In Tournament, meaning the Clippers' position keeps them in the hunt for a postseason berth entering the final stretch of the regular season.
They are just outside the 7-8 spots and within reach of improving their position with consistent wins. The Play-In gives them the chance to secure one of the last two playoff seeds, keeping their title hopes alive even without a top-six seed.
The difference between ninth and higher positions is narrow in terms of games behind and remaining schedule, and a brief winning run could move the Clippers up the standings before the regular season concludes.
That means Leonard's "it's over now" may be more heat-of-the-moment frustration than a final season judgment. With quality pieces around him and time still remaining, the scenario is still salvageable.
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