Paul George caused controversy when he spoke about the Los Angeles teams: Clippers and Lakers.
George spent five seasons with the Clippers. However, during an episode of his podcast , he said that playing for the team was like being on the city’s B team.
“I think initially, coming back to L.A. was like coming home. But it wasn’t the same love.” George said.
“When I was there, the fans were saying I should have been a Laker player. That’s all I heard.”
“There was no welcome to the Clippers. They were like, ‘We’re glad you’re here, but you should have been a Laker.’
“Playing for the Clippers instead of the Lakers was like being on the B team,” George added.
George was able to fulfill his dream of returning to the city as an NBA player with the Clippers.
He spent five seasons with the team, averaging 23 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He also led the franchise to the first Western Conference Finals in its history.
Among fans, therefore, the star’s recent statement was seen as ingratitude. However, it is George who believes that he was initially not recognised by the Clippers.
George revealed that his desire was to remain with the California team, but considered the franchise’s offer “disrespectful”.
“I never wanted to leave Los Angeles. Seriously, this is my home, this is where I wanted to retire and do everything I could to win a title.” George said.
“But I think these negotiations were a little disrespectful, especially at the beginning. And let me make it clear that I have no hard feelings, that there were no bad feelings.”
“But the board offered me $60 million for two years at first. It’s crazy. I’m not signing something like that,” he added.
