The battle of LA is looking a lot fuller. The Lakers are missing Deandre Ayton but are otherwise packing the starpower. On the Clippers end, there’s a little more good news. Kawhi Leonard is returning to the game tonight to help James Harden and Ivica Zubac, two players who’ve been having phenomenal streaks lately. For Ty Lue, who is anxious about playing against LeBron James and Luka Doncic, nothing brings more relief than having one of his best players in the rotation.

For a while now, the Clippers have been operating on the ‘Next Man Up’ policy. It’s a mindset they’ve been familiar with for many seasons. This time, they have to manage it with Bradley Beal’s season-ending injury and Kawhi Leonard’s attendance issues.

But sometimes the head coach doesn’t want the next man. He wants ‘the man.’ Tonight, as Kawhi is back, Lue emphasized how vital his presence is to the team. “When you lose your best player, a top 10 player when he’s on the floor, it’s hard to really make up for that.”

He makes his point by emphasizing the Clippers payroll. “I know a lot of people say ‘Next Man Up.’ But if he’s making $60 million and your next man is making $400,000, it’s not really the same…”

It might not be a good idea to bring up Kawhi’s pay while the NBA is investigating if Steve Ballmer paid him off the books. But Lue’s sentiments are understandable. Leonard missed 10 games because of a multitude of leg injuries. Barring his unfortunate circumstances, most observers will not deny he’s a key player every time he’s healthy.

If he had the choice, Lue would not pick the ‘next man’ available. He’d always pick Kawhi. Tonight especially, that was significant.

The Clippers’ need more than just Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers are entering the NBA Cup game with a 5-12 record, but with a chance at their highest NBA Cup standing. If they win tonight, or if Memphis loses, they clinch a spot in the Knockout Rounds. The Lakers clinch the group if they win.

After James Harden’s record-setting 55-point outing, the Clippers can’t get complacent. Ty Lue definitely isn’t. When asked if Deandre Ayton’s absence changes the Clippers’ strategy, Lue said, “Are Luka and LeBron playing?”

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The long and short of it is, yes, Luka Doncic and LeBron James are playing tonight. So is Austin Reaves, who’s had a 51-point game without both stars. Doncic is already looking scary, racking up 24 points by the start of the second quarter. Ty Lue needs Kawhi and much more up against two scoring titans.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden both started tonight’s game, but their production has been limited. With eight minutes remaining in the second quarter, Leonard has only seven points while Harden has 11. The Clippers are also without their primary defender, Derrick Jones Jr.

Given Kawhi’s inconsistent availability, fans and analysts have been calling for the Clippers to surround Harden with more shooters. The most discussed trade proposal involves acquiring Malik Monk and DeMar DeRozan from the Sacramento Kings. Whether the team will provide head coach Ty Lue with additional roster depth rather than continuing to rely heavily on Kawhi remains to be seen.