Clippers' Tyronn Lue on Kawhi Leonard, Paul George: They'll Do Whatever I Want to Do

Whatever Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue wants to do with his lineup this season, he expects Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will have no issue buying in.

"Whatever I want to do, they'll do it," George told reporters Tuesday while addressing Leonard and George sliding power forward and small forward spots. "They trust me. I think I've earned their trust over the last few years and so whatever is best for the team that's the move we're going to make."

One of the biggest topics of conversation this offseason has been whether or not Leonard can start at the power forward position, which is currently considered L.A.'s weakest link.

As it stands, Nicolas Batum is slated to start the 2023-24 campaign at the power forward position, and Marcus Morris Sr. can also play the four.

However, if the Clippers move Leonard to power forward and George, who is currently listed as the team's starting shooting guard, to small forward, then that opens up some possibilities for L.A. at the two.

Norman Powell could slot into the starting shooting guard position, or perhaps Terance Mann could fill the role. Either player would give the Clippers some more flexibility and athleticism.

The Clippers have also been linked to disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers veteran James Harden, who requested a trade from the franchise this offseason and is adamant about a move to Los Angeles.

Despite the challenges in negotiations, Lue's squad remains interested in acquiring Harden ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on the No Cap Room podcast (h/t Justin Grasso of All 76ers):

"The Clippers definitely want James Harden. They have not been wanting to offer more than one first-round pick to get him. The Sixers need to get rid of James Harden. He doesn't want to play there. They need to compete for a championship this year with Joel Embiid and years down the line. I don't know what's going to happen if James doesn't get traded before media day, before training camp. I don't think James and his side of things knows what's going to happen. I don't think the Sixers knows what's going to happen. The word I keep being told is it's going to be fireworks." "

Acquiring Harden would essentially remove any questions about what type of starting lineup the Clippers will field this season. It could look something like this:

• PG: Russell Westbrook
• SG: James Harden
• SF: Paul George
• PF: Kawhi Leonard
• C: Ivica Zubac

Regardless, it's no surprise Leonard and George will buy into whatever system Lue hopes to run. Since joining the Clippers ahead of the 2019-20 season, the duo has been mostly injured, which has resulted in L.A. having little-to-no playoff success.

At this point in their careers, Leonard and George will likely do whatever it takes to win a championship, even if it means altering what positions they play.