NBA Rumors: Clippers Doomed Now That Vinny Del Negro Has 'Lost the Team'

The Clippers' skid continues to get worse and worse—and worse again. Anonymous sources are reporting that the team is no longer responding to the leadership of head coach Vinny Del Negro.

A source told Hoopsworld.com, "Vinny has lost the team. They don't want to play hard for him."

This much is evident, given the fact that L.A. has lost 11 of its last 18 games. Sources told ESPN.com's Chris Broussard that players believe it's time for a change, and it is due in large part to the fact that the only certainty this season has been constant uncertainty surrounding Del Negro's rotation.

An abundance of players have been added to the roster throughout the season, and as a result, players haven't been able to get into a rhythm regarding how much or how little they are expected to play.

Broussard also reports that the players believe Del Negro's offensive and defensive schemes are predictable and uncomplicated, and when he doles out criticism, he plays favorites.

None of this makes for a cohesive locker room, or one that is likely to make a run in the postseason.

Currently, the Clippers are in second place in the Pacific standings, three games behind the Lakers and three games ahead of the Suns—who have won six of nine. L.A.and Denver are neck-and-neck in the Western Conference at 26-21, with Houston (26-22) and Utah (25-22) breathing down their necks. The Rockets have won two in a row, while the Jazz have won five straight.

ESPN's Bill Simmons offered a suggestion via Twitter for how the team can improve its fortunes before it's too late:

That seems a bit bold for the Clippers' tastes, but it's clear that something needs to change in order for the Clippers to make a run, and if that change involves abandoning Del Negro and his constantly fluctuating roster, it needs to happen fast or else this once promising season is headed for the gutter.