Paul George’s Dad Wanted Him to Sign with Lakers After Clippers ‘Stabbed Us in the Back’

Nine-time All-Star former L.A. Clippers combo forward Paul George expected he would return to his hometown team on a long-term deal this summer.

The 34-year-old failed to come to terms on an agreement with the Clippers this offseason, when L.A. ultimately refused to agree to a no-trade clause on what would have been a discounted three-season, $150 million deal.

Instead, the 6-foot-8 vet will join his fourth NBA franchise for his 15th pro season out of Fresno State — the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $211.6 million maximum free agent agreement.

Read more: Paul George Felt Insulted by Clippers in Contract Negotiations

During a fresh conversation with his father, Paul George Sr., on his “Podcast P With Paul George” show, the topic of George’s embattled free agency was top-of-mind. The elder George revealed that he had hoped his son, who grew up in Palmdale outside of L.A., would stay in Southern California and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I was looking at [the Lakers] and said, ‘Okay, we’re gonna do next door then,'” Paul George Sr. claimed. “But they already spent too much money. I thought we’re gonna still come down in the tunnel [at Crypto.com Arena], just gonna be wearing a different color.”

Across 74 healthy contests last season, George was his typically efficient self. He averaged 22.6 points on a .471/.413/.907 slash line, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals a night.

In L.A.’s six-game first round playoff series loss to the Finals-bound Dallas Mavericks, George’s scoring efficiency took a notable dip, as did his defense. He averaged a still-respectable 19.5 points, albeit on an inefficient 41.1 percent field goal shooting. He also notched 6.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. It seems likely that, next to established Sixers All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, some of George’s scoring output will take a hit.

“I felt like they [the Clippers] stabbed us in the back because I thought Paul did a whole lot for the team, as far the fanbase, the fans was there,” the elder George added. “He was there. I think he gave them 110 percent and what he was asking, it wasn’t a whole lot. But they saw something different.”

Under the deft maneuvering of team president Daryl Morey, the Sixers have engineered a terrific offseason run. In addition to signing George — still a no-brainer move despite his relatively advanced age — Philadelphia also added former Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin, prolific rebounder Andre Drummond (in what will be his second tour of duty), Team France Olympic standout Guerschon Yabusele, former title-winning point guard Reggie Jackson, and shooting guard Eric Gordon. Philadelphia also re-signed Maxey, forward Kelly Oubre Jr., young swingman KJ Martin, and former six-time All-Star guard Kyle Lowry.

Time will tell if this upgraded depth will help Philadelphia finally get over the hump and reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time during its Embiid era, let alone advance to its first NBA Finals berth since 2001.

Read more: Paul George Believes Philadelphia 76ers Can Win NBA Championship in 2025