Paul George Wasted No Time Burying The Clippers By Stating It Felt Like He Was Playing For The "B Team" While In LA

Tim Nwachukwu. Getty Images.

Alright, is Paul George wrong here? Nope. Everyone knows that no matter what the Clippers do, LA will always be a Lakers city and the Clippers will forever be the "B Team". That was the case even during the Lob City era and it's one of the main reasons Steve Ballmer built the Clippers their new arena. Their whole identity is getting out from behind the Lakers' shadow, and unfortunately, even with this new fancy arena I'm not sure that's going to change much. Shit, the Clippers could win the NBA title and LA will still be a Lakers town. That's just the reality of the situation.

The funny part about this comment from George is this narrative very much existed when he decided to join the Clippers in the first place. Let's also not forget the tune George was singing not too long ago

We also shouldn't forget all the times before this trade that George openly said he wanted to be a Laker which ultimately is the beauty of these introductory pressers. It's the perfect time to pander to your new fanbase and lie your face off. Every player does it, including George today at his Sixers introductory presser. 

Remember, it was George who was tasked with making sure the Clippers got out of this "B Team" narrative, and that didn't exactly turn out so hot. Maybe there's an opportunity for some personal accountability? Who's to say really. Again, what he's saying is factually accurate so it's not like he's talking shit just to do it, but given what the Clippers paid to bring George in and then how his tenure went over those 5 years, maybe avoid saying shit like this? Especially from a player who hasn't won himself and was a part of why the Clippers underachieved. 

Again, he could have been a Laker if he wanted, and he chose the Clippers. We also shouldn't forget that part either. 

What I want to know is what Steve Ballmer and the Clippers do for the first LAC/PHI game in their new arena. Do you give Paul George a tribute video? I'm fascinated with how that return is going to go because seemingly overnight George went from being a beloved Clipper to a Clipper villain. I feel like after this summer and now him going on his podcast talking about how you're the B Team in LA sort of kills any chance of a tribute video. Or, do they do it, and then we get a sold-out arena booing the hell out of George? That'd be something to see so I don't hate that option either.