The Limit of “Next Man Up”: “You Can’t Replace a 60 Million Star”

The 118-135 loss to the Lakers in the NBA Cup comes at a delicate moment for the Clippers, who started 5-13 – a record that reflects injuries more than the team’s actual value.

Tyronn Lue knows this well and, before the game, commented on JJ Redick’s words about Kawhi Leonard’s return, who scored 19 points with 5 rebounds, revealing a frustration that goes beyond the court.

Lue acknowledged how Leonard changes the team’s dynamic: when healthy, his impact is top-10 in the NBA. But he also pointed out a truth often overlooked: not all “next men up” are created equal.

When you lose your best player, a top-10 player in the league when on the court, it’s hard to fill that gap. I know a lot of people talk about ‘next man up,’ but, you know, if he makes $60 million and your ‘next man’ makes $400,000, it’s not really the same thing

Tyronn Lue

The case of Kobe Sanders proves it. The young two-way contract player was thrown into action, giving his all but naturally producing results light-years away from the two-time Finals MVP.

It’s not a fault: it’s the logical consequence of a league where a single player can account for up to 35% of the salary cap.

We just have to keep playing, and, as you said, hope to get Kawhi more minutes and make him feel better – then we’ll be a different team

Tyronn Lue

In an NBA dominated by superstars, title-contending teams spend most of their budget on two names, leaving the other 13 roster spots to be filled with whatever remains (though this trend is changing, as the Thunder demonstrate). This is where the gap emerges: elite talent at the top, limited depth below, as seen with the Clippers.

Lue doesn’t attack Leonard, nor does he demand miracles from his young players. Simply put, without stars, good intentions alone aren’t enough. And as long as the system stays this way, for the Clippers, filling that gap will always be a challenge.