Los Angeles Clippers felt like ‘B team’ after not playing for Lakers, says Paul George

The Clippers' decision not to offer George a max contract or no-trade clause ultimately led to his departure.

Los Angeles Clippers felt like ‘B team’ after not playing for Lakers, says Paul George

Paul George

Paul George believed that the Los Angeles Lakers overshadowed the Clippers during his time with the team. The newly signed Philadelphia 76ers forward spoke about this on his podcast, Podcast P. George, who spent five seasons with the Clippers, felt that he wasn’t embraced as much by fans as he would have been if he played for the Lakers.

George, who is from California, said that fans would often tell him that he should have been a Laker, making him feel like he was on the “B team.” Despite reaching the playoffs four times and making it to the Western Conference Finals in 2021, PG13 felt that the Clippers didn’t receive the same level of love and attention as the Lakers.

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 love and the vibe felt.
Paul George said on Podcast P

The Lakers’ success during George’s time in Los Angeles, including their 2020 NBA championship, likely contributed to the perceived disparity in attention. Paul George had a solid run with the Clippers, earning three All-Star selections and averaging 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

George is now looking to make a fresh start with the 76ers, where he will be playing alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. If he can help the team win their first championship since 1983, he will likely become a beloved figure in Philadelphia.

Paul George reveals bond with Joel Embiid led him to Sixers

Paul George, the newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers, has revealed that he always felt a connection with Joel Embiid and believed it was “inevitable” they would become teammates. Despite initially wanting to stay in Los Angeles, George felt disrespected by the Clippers’ front office, who offered him a two-year, $60 million extension that he deemed “crazy”.

I've always been a fan of Tyrese [Maxey] and Joel from afar. Joel has secretly been one of my closest All-Star Game friends, so it kind of felt inevitable we would link up and be teammates. I'm all in.
Paul George told reporters

George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Sixers earlier this month, joining Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form one of the strongest trios in the NBA. He expressed his excitement to play alongside his new teammates.

The Clippers’ decision not to offer George a max contract or no-trade clause ultimately led to his departure, with the team citing the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement as the reason. George’s move to the Sixers has been hailed as a major coup for the franchise, and he’s eager to make a fresh start in Philadelphia.

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