It sent shockwaves throughout the NBA when Paul George and Kawhi Leonard committed to joining the LA Clippers in 2019. Many considered them annual championship favorites due to having two of the league’s elite wing players with plenty of intriguing supporting cast talent.
The Clippers have proven unsuccessful in pursuing a championship after three seasons together. Between the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the league and Leonard’s multiple season-ending injuries, the team hasn’t had things shake out in their favor. One could refer to them as an ideal example of the luck that’s required to win a title.
Suppose the Clippers realize their championship aspirations in the fourth season of the Leonard and George era. In that case, George feels, as a California native, it would outweigh the meaning of winning it had he been a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, per an interview with GQ.
As a SoCal kid who grew up far from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, George is clear about his goal. “A championship with the Clippers 100% will outweigh a championship being with the Lakers,” he says. He tells me bringing the first chip to “this part of LA” would be legacy-defining.
When George had requested to be traded as a member of the Indiana Pacers, his preferred landing spot was the Lakers. However, the team felt they could wait for his situation and sign him as a free agent instead of trading valuable assets for him.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, LA Clippers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Oklahoma City Thunder took advantage of the Lakers’ plan by acquiring George in exchange for Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo. When George had played out his two seasons in OKC, the organization worked with him to facilitate a trade to the Clippers and team up with Leonard.
The Lakers had squandered their opportunity but later completed a trade for Anthony Davis. While it can be debated about the ramifications of these maneuvers, it cannot be denied that the Lakers have won a championship, while the Clippers remain a team that has been unable to do so.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, LA Clippers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It’s hard to argue George’s sentiment, given the Clippers have not won a championship in their history, but the Lakers would be adding another banner to their already crowded rafters.
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