Looking back at Paul George's trade which shifted the power base in LA at the time

Paul George joined the LA Clippers back in the 2019-20 NBA season. He came into the team alongside two-time NBA Champion Kawhi Leonard, which gave the Clippers a huge power boost.

'PG13' came off an impressive 2018-19 season with 28 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.2 steals per game with the OKC Thunder. In that same season, LA no longer had a superstar on their roster.

Before Paul George and Kawhi Leonard united in LA, the Clippers were being led by Tobias Harris. The team finished the season sitting as the eighth seed in the West.

Upon George and Leonard's arrival, they improved their rankings as the second seed in the 2019-20 season. Having two superstars on the team was definitely a difference-maker.

PG finished his first season with the Clippers with 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. 'The Klaw' was clearly the best player in the squad, averaging 27.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

However, George's offensive prowess was still strong enough to take over games when needed.

George openly admitted that Leonard is the go-to guy between the two. However, he has no problems with that dynamic. While the star duo is yet to win a championship together, nobody can deny how good the Clippers can be at full strength. The only real struggle the team has at the moment is battling injury problems.

Paul George takes over the LA Clippers

Ever since Kawhi Leonard's unfortunate injury last season, Paul George has had to step up and take over the LA Clippers. However, George was only able to successfully play 31 games last year and was sidelined due to injury as well. 'PG13' averaged 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game in the 2021-22 season.

Now entering the 2022-23 season, both superstars have made their returns. However, only PG is consistently playing for the Clippers. Leonard is currently sitting out due to injury management. With that said, George's number is once again being called upon to lead the team to victory. So far, the Clippers star has successfully lived up to the task.

The Clippers currently sit fifth with a 19-15 record in the Western Conference standings. As of December 24, he leads his team in scoring and steals with 23.3 points and 1.4 steals per game. Despite lacking consistent help from Kawhi Leonard and the rest of his teammates, Paul George has managed to carry LA and maintain a potential playoff spot.