The Paul George era has officially ended in Los Angeles. For most, it was a wild disappointment, especially with the haul the Clippers gave up to get him. Through five NBA seasons together, the team won three playoff series. Rather than the multiple Championships many were envisioning, the net result was not spectacular. But for the “team in the basement,” most expectations were pipedreams.
The Los Angeles Clippers have played second fiddle to the Los Angeles Lakers throughout their tenure. As the old adage goes, “Taylor Swift has more banners than the Clippers in Staples Center.” For decades, the two teams have had the same court and arena. But, the level of success for the two teams has been wildly different. It is a fact George was well aware of during his time with the Clippers. Despite earlier statements suggesting otherwise, PG13 made it clear how stark of a difference it really was.
Paul George highlights the difference between LAC & LAL
Over the last few seasons, Paul George has become an even more popular name thanks to his podcasting exploits. With Podcast P, he has become a consistently entertaining name to watch out for, with the episodes giving inside scoops plus brilliant content. However, over the last few weeks, they have also given us an inside look into the dealings of his career.
The entire contract negotiation drama with the Clippers, down to the multiple offers given and rescinded was made public thanks to the pod. Further, his eventual signing with the Philadelphia 76ers has also become a hot topic. Now that the deal is done, PG has given insight into his time as a Clipper as well. In particular, his focus was on the stark contrast in fan treatment for the two sides.
“I think initially, coming back to L.A., that was home when I first came to L.A., but it’s not the same love. When I was in L.A., they were like, ‘Man, you should’ve been a Laker.’ That’s all I was hearing. It wasn’t like no, ‘Yo, welcome to the Clippers.’ ‘We’re happy you’re here in L.A., but you should’ve been a Laker.’ I’m on the B team. That’s how the vibe and the love felt.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Even though his comments scan as accurate, fans haven’t taken too kindly to them. When he came to the Clippers, fans were salivating at the prospect of a heated rivalry between the two in-city teams. Both teams had new superstar duos: The Clippers with George and Kawhi Leonard and the Lakers with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, that never came to pass. Instead, as the Lakers won banner number 17, the Clippers could only look on.
However, that didn’t stop both sides from taking cheap shots at the other. Whether it was the now infamous Kawhi Leonard “King” commercial, or PG falsely claiming that he grew up a Clippers fan, instances of vitriol were many and apparent. As a result, his course correction now feels opportunistic and insincere.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Due to his back-and-forth comments for both sides, it is unclear which side is actually true and how George truly feels about the divide. Which side do you think the former MVP candidate lands on?
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