Tyronn Lue Addresses Chris Paul Departure Amid Clippers Struggles

LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has firmly refuted reports suggesting a breakdown in communication with point guard Chris Paul following Paul’s recent dismissal from the team. Speaking to the media at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, Lue clarified that he and Paul had been in contact during a tumultuous period for the team, which has seen their record slide to 6-18, among the lowest in the NBA.

Lue’s comments come after a ten-day hiatus from media interaction, during which time Paul was sent home while the Clippers were in Atlanta. The franchise’s decision to part ways with the veteran player was confirmed by Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, who indicated that the team would seek a transaction but did not intend to scapegoat Paul for their struggles. Paul, now in his 21st NBA season, has averaged a career-low of 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in just 14.3 minutes per game, and was not utilized in five games last month.

“We were talking,” Lue said when asked about communications with Paul throughout November. “How you gonna play if I’m not talking to him? There was a stretch where we said he wasn’t gonna play; he was gonna be out of the rotation. That was tough for him because he’s a competitor.”

Lue was hesitant to delve into the specifics of Paul’s departure, stating, “You gotta ask Lawrence” when pressed about why the situation was considered irreconcilable, especially given that the Clippers have previously managed similar situations with other players.

John Collins, a power forward for the Clippers, shared that he had reached out to Paul post-departure, noting that Paul remained in good spirits despite the circumstances. “Obviously, it didn’t work out for whatever reason,” Collins said. He acknowledged that the team felt a noticeable absence without Paul, emphasizing the need for unity moving forward.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Batum, who has been with Lue for six seasons, remarked on the difficulty of keeping morale intact under such challenging conditions. “It’s not easy for the coach in that situation,” Batum noted. He praised Lue’s efforts to maintain team engagement despite injuries and other setbacks, highlighting the need for continuity in leadership during turbulent times.

With Paul no longer on the roster, the onus now shifts to stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Lue has been in “constant talks” with them about their roles and the team’s direction. Collins described Harden’s leadership as evolving, noting his increased intention and creativity in guiding the team.

As the Clippers prepare to face the Houston Rockets on Thursday, December 14, they will rely heavily on their remaining stars to step up. Lue expressed that the team’s disappointing performance can largely be attributed to injuries affecting key players, including Bradley Beal, who is out for the season following hip surgery, and others who have faced various ailments.

“I can’t control injuries,” Lue stated. “When we first came into the season, we thought we had a great chance. But with the losses we’ve faced, things have become hard. Now we have to figure out how to get out of this rut.”

As the Clippers navigate this challenging phase, the hope remains that they can rally to improve their standing in the league, with Lue emphasizing the importance of focusing on winning games in the wake of significant changes.