3 things that LA Clippers need to do in Kawhi Leonard's absence to mount a playoff challenge in the 2021-22 NBA season

#2 Figure out the Backcourt Rotation

Los Angeles Clippers v Utah Jazz - Game Five

One of the deepest parts of this Los Angeles Clippers roster is the depth in the backcourt. No player impressed more in the playoffs last year than guard Reggie Jackson. The Clippers realized that Jackson is starting to find his groove as a player and rewarded him this offseason, as they re-signed him to a two-year, $22 million deal. With the Clippers moving Patrick Beverley this offseason via trade, it looks as if Reggie Jackson should be the starting point guard moving forward. The Clippers also added veteran guard Eric Bledsoe via trade. Both Jackson and Bledsoe could be expected to share the starting backcourt together. From there, the Clippers have a number of intriguing guards that they can use in rotations, including Luke Kennard and even free-agent acquisition Justise Winslow.

#1 Unleash PG13

Los Angeles Clippers v Utah Jazz - Game Five

What better way to make up for the loss of one superstar than letting your other star run wild? That's exactly what the plan should be for the Los Angeles Clippers this year with Paul George. After playing alongside other stars such as Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City and Kawhi Leonard with the Clippers recently, George is now going to find himself as the lead "dog" for the team. It's a position that Paul George hasn't been in since his early days with the Indiana Pacers. We saw how dangerous George can be in his playoff series against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals. Now we will get an extended look at what PG13 can do when he is the focal point of the offense. Expect head coach Tyronn Lue to try to run the offense through the seven-time All-Star. With Kawhi Leonard expected to miss the majority of the season, it's going to be a fortunate luxury to have.