Paul George Says Clippers Felt Like 'B Team' Compared To Lakers
Photo: Instagram/Paul George |
New Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George shared his thoughts Monday about his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, saying they felt overshadowed by the Lakers.
Speaking on Podcast P, George said fans in L.A. didn’t embrace him as much with the Clippers as they would have with the Lakers. "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, 'Yo, welcome to the Clippers.' I'm on the B team. That's how the vibe and the love felt," George said.
George, from Palmdale, California, and a Fresno State alum, spent five seasons with the Clippers before signing a four-year, $211.6 million contract with the Sixers this offseason.
Photo: Instagram/Paul George |
During his time with the Clippers, the team made the playoffs four times and reached the Western Conference Finals in 2021. However, they were knocked out in the first round in the past two seasons. George and Kawhi Leonard never made it to the NBA Finals together despite high hopes.
In comparison, the Lakers made the playoffs four times during George's five seasons in L.A., winning the NBA championship in 2020 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Paul George says playing for the Clippers instead of the Lakers felt like he was playing for the "B Team."
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 23, 2024
(🎥 @PodcastPShow / h/t @Ralph_MasonJr )
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While the Clippers have never won a championship, the Lakers have won 17, making them one of the most famous franchises in sports.
Despite feeling less loved, George had a strong run with the Clippers, earning three All-Star selections and averaging 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
George’s biggest issue was staying healthy, as he never played more than 56 regular-season games in his first four seasons with the Clippers. Last season, he played 74 games, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
His improved health and performance likely attracted the Sixers, who wanted a big name to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. In Philadelphia, George won’t have to share the spotlight with any other NBA teams. If he helps the Sixers win their first championship since 1983, he’ll be a hero in Philly forever.
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Source: Breacher Report
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