2002-03

Expectations were high at the start of 2002-03, as the Clippers returned their starting lineup from last season's playoff run---and helped themselves even more with some wheeling and dealing. The NBA's 2001-02 assist leader, Andre Miller, was acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers during the offseason in exchange for Clippers reserve swingman Darius Miles. After just narrowly missing out on the postseason the year before, the playoffs seemed in reach for LA with a proven playmaker like Miller running the point. However, things never clicked for this Clippers squad. Injuries severely crippled the team, as they racked up the 7th highest tally for games lost to injury/illness with 293. Starters Corey Maggette and Elton Brand missed 18 and 20 games respectively, while Lamar Odom and Micheal Olowokandi were absent for a combined 79 contests. The team finished just 27-55 and failed to post a single winning record in any month. Brand was again his double-double self, with team leading averages of 18.5 ppg and 11.3 rpg, while Miller's career low of 6.7 apg was tops among his teammates.