3 biggest needs the LA Clippers must address in the 2021 NBA offseason

#2 Finding Chauncey Billups' replacement

Phoenix Suns v Los Angeles Clippers - Game Six

Critical to the LA Clippers' success this season was the role of head coach Ty Lue and his coaching staff. The franchise decided to shake things up prior to the 2020-21 campaign and parted ways with long-time coach Doc Rivers. Lue was promoted to the top job while Chauncey Billups was added to his team of staff, focusing largely on the offensive side of the ball.

Despite little experience, Billups was already beginning to garner head coaching job interest across the league during the season and was snapped up for the main role by the Portland Trail Blazers at the end of June.

With Billups departing, the LA Clippers begin the search again for an assistant coach to aid Ty Lue. Lue's management of his Clippers side while facing adversity in the playoffs has garnered a lot of praise and the front office will need to make the correct appointment to match his coaching style and ability.

#1 Kawhi Leonard's future

LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard

The most important issue the LA Clippers must address in the offseason regards the future of their superstar, Kawhi Leonard. His decision to stay with the franchise could be the difference between them being contenders for the title next year or not. Should he choose to leave, he will be the most sought-after player on the market.

"A masterpiece from Kawhi Leonard!"The Klaw's #NBAPlayoffs career high-tying 45 points in Game 6 forced a WIN OR GO HOME Game 7. #ThatsGame ⏰ 3:30 PM ET on ABC pic.twitter.com/wiA8hdH6p3

— NBA (@NBA) June 6, 2021

Currently, Leonard has the choice to exercise his player option and become an unrestricted free agent this summer and will undoubtedly have front offices queueing at the door to sign him. The Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat have been rumored to be readying a hard push for Leonard should he become available. But Paul George and the rest of his LA Clippers teammates have just shown the two-time champion what they can achieve without him on the floor.

Although there isn't anything else the LA Clippers can offer Leonard, apart from maybe securing Reggie Jackson, the franchise will have to do their best in persuading him to stay - even if it is for only one more year. Leonard is their best chance at a title without having to blow up the current roster setup and is still a first-team All-NBA talent, even at 30 years old.