- Russell Westbrook’s brother seemingly reacts to LeBron James being disappointed that Lakers didn’t acquire Kyrie Irving
- Josh Giddey downplays possibility of LeBron James breaking scoring record vs. Thunder
- Report: Raptors and Jazz are ‘plan B’ options for Lakers while Hornets, Spurs and Bulls are other ‘teams to watch’
- Report: Lakers had ‘serious concerns’ about Kyrie Irving’s professionalism and availability
- Report: Lakers still optimistic they can upgrade their roster before the trade deadline
- Report: Nets owner’s presumed objective was to send Kyrie Irving anywhere but Lakers
- Report: Lakers could be willing to give up Austin Reaves and Max Christie for Kyrie Irving in unexpected twist
- Report: There’s pessimism that Lakers will land Kyrie Irving due to his contract demands
- Anthony Davis preaches ‘urgency’ as Lakers lose critical game to Pelicans
- Russell Westbrook’s brother seemingly agrees that Lakers won’t make playoffs if they trade him
Lakers guard Danny Green offers sage advice to ‘cocky’ Clippers
- Updated: October 31, 2020
Los Angeles Lakers guard Danny Green delivered a stinging jab at the Los Angeles Clippers for their perceived arrogance about winning an NBA title that was eventually captured by the Lakers.
Green appeared on the “Real Ones” podcast and delivered the shot to the Lakers’ Staples Center co-tenants, who were seen by many as the favorites to win the 2020 title.
"I think the basketball Gods will humble you if you don’t play the game the right way or do the right thing. . . You shouldn’t be as cocky or because a lot of times it’s going to go the opposite way."
– Danny Green on the Clippers 👀
(Via 'Real Ones' Pod | h/t @LakersNation ) pic.twitter.com/BgDmhO7rrZ
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) October 31, 2020
The hype about the Clippers’ chances began even before the 2019-20 season started after the team acquired superstars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
Despite the Clippers finishing runner-up to the Lakers for the best regular season record in the Western Conference, they were still seen by many as championship contenders.
Those expectations weren’t really questioned after the Clippers jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets. However, the Nuggets erased that deficit to advance to the conference finals, where they lost to the Lakers in five games.
In the wake of the Clippers’ stunning collapse, head coach Doc Rivers was fired and George received a heavy dose of criticism for the team’s meltdown.
Whether or not new Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue will use Green’s words as motivation for next season is unknown. However, it seems likely that he’ll remind his players to tamp down any expectations until they hoist a championship trophy like Green and the Lakers did.