Los Angeles Clippers Felt Like ‘B Team’ After Not Playing for Lakers, Says Paul Georg

Los Angeles Clippers Felt Like ‘B Team’ After Not Playing for Lakers, Says Paul Georg

During Paul George’s time with the team, thought the Los Angeles Lakers outperformed the Clippers. On Podcast P, the Philadelphia 76ers forward who recently signed, discussed this.

In a recent revelation, Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George opened up about the perennial perception of the Clippers being the “B team” in Los Angeles compared to the illustrious Lakers. This sentiment, which has lingered for decades, underscores the unique dynamics of sharing a city — and even an arena — with one of the most storied franchises in NBA history.

George, an essential player for the Clippers since his trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, shed light on this issue during a candid interview. “When you think of Los Angeles basketball, the Lakers have always been the forefront,” George stated. “Coming to the Clippers, you do feel like you’re the B team.”

The Lakers’ legacy, boasting 17 NBA championships and a plethora of legendary players such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, casts a long shadow. In contrast, the Clippers have struggled historically, with their most notable successes coming in the past decade.

The Clippers’ reputation as the underdogs in LA has persisted despite significant efforts to build a competitive and marketable team. The franchise, which relocated to Los Angeles from San Diego in 1984, often languished in mediocrity. However, the arrival of stars like Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan in the early 2010s marked the beginning of a transformative era known as “Lob City.”

This period brought the Clippers into the playoff conversation regularly and ignited a sense of optimism among fans. Yet, even as the team experienced on-court success, the Lakers’ cultural and historical dominance remained a significant barrier. The Clippers’ achievements were often overshadowed by the Lakers’ allure, including their recent 2020 NBA Championship victory led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, who both signed with the Clippers in 2019, were seen as game-changers for the franchise. The duo aimed to establish the Clippers as legitimate title contenders and elevate the team’s status in the league. However, the journey has been fraught with challenges, including injuries and playoff disappointments.

George’s candid acknowledgment of the Clippers’ “B team” status resonates with fans who have long supported the underdog franchise. “It’s not about feeling less than the Lakers,” George clarified. “It’s about building our own legacy. We want to be known for what we achieve as Clippers, not just in comparison to the Lakers.”

The Clippers’ front office has also made substantial moves to rebrand and assert their identity. Under the ownership of Steve Ballmer, the team is slated to move into a new state-of-the-art arena in Inglewood, set to open in 2024. This move is seen as a significant step in establishing an independent identity, separate from the Lakers’ home at the Staples Center.

The rivalry between the Lakers and Clippers, often dubbed the “Battle of LA,” has intensified in recent years with both teams boasting star-studded rosters. While the Lakers continue to bask in their rich history and recent successes, the Clippers are carving out their narrative, striving for their first NBA championship.

Paul George’s comments underscore a broader narrative of respect and recognition. “We have a chip on our shoulder,” George admitted. “We’re here to compete and win, and we’re writing our own story. It’s time for people to see the Clippers as a formidable team in our own right.”

As the Clippers look forward to the upcoming season, their mission is clear: to emerge from the Lakers’ shadow and establish a legacy that stands on its own. The journey may be challenging, but with leaders like George and Leonard, the Clippers are poised to redefine their place in Los Angeles and the NBA at large.