Tyronn Lue believes the Los Angeles Clippers’ offensive execution, physicality and ability to play with pace will be central to their success as they enter the 2026-27 season.
Speaking during training camp Wednesday, September 30, Lue reflected on the team’s first practices and explained what he wants to see improve before the regular season begins.
Lue said the Clippers made progress with their movement and pace, although there is still work to do with execution.
“We had like 15 cuts today,” Lue said. “All of us bad defense, good offense, but just the movement part of it, guys understanding when to cut, how to play, and guys to deliver the pass.”
The Clippers are working with a significantly different roster after a major offseason overhaul. Lue acknowledged that the team is smaller than it was previously and said that will require a strong physical approach, particularly on the glass.
“We’re a smaller team. We’re definitely a smaller team, in height and size,” Lue said. “We got to be tough every night. We got to be down the basketball every night and we got to bring a physicality to rebound the ball.”
With Brandon Ingram currently unavailable, Lue said the coaching staff will focus on finding the best fit alongside the regular starters rather than simply looking for an additional source of confidence.
“Just the best fit,” Lue said. “While BI’s out, just the best fit for the team and who works well with their first unit is going to be the most important thing.”
Lue identified shooting and player movement as two priorities during camp. He wants the Clippers to have players capable of cutting and creating opportunities without the ball.
“I think we’re going to need shooting for sure,” Lue said. “I think movement for sure. And the way we want to play this year, like we’re going to need guys can cut, move without the basketball.”
The coach also discussed how the Clippers plan to use their ball-handlers. He emphasized creating opportunities for players to operate in pick-and-roll situations while also varying how they initiate offense.
“Yeah, a lot of opportunities because he’s a great pick-and-roll player,” Lue said. “So just mixing it up when he’s bringing up the floor, when he’s catching the ball with a live dribble, running pick and roll. So just give him different looks.”
Lue said the team’s offensive development may need to move quickly because of the challenges of defending NBA offenses every night. For him, playing hard remains the first requirement, while offensive execution, ball security, rebounding and ball movement are also priorities.
“Playing hard has to be ahead of everything,” Lue said.
The Clippers finished 42-40 last season before losing in the Play-In Tournament. Their roster now includes Brandon Ingram, Rui Hachimura, Bradley Beal and the No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler, while Lue is working to establish a new identity with the reshaped group.
