Clippers HC Ty Lue Slaps Reporter With Brutal LeBron James Reality in Heated Exchange

The LA Clippers have struggled since the All-Star break. Their record against teams with winning records is a dismal 3-8 in their last 11 games. While they’ve been able to squeak by against weaker opponents, their overall performance has fallen short of expectations. After their recent loss to the shorthanded Atlanta Hawks, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue didn’t mince words. Judging from his latest press conference, it seems like Lue wasn’t holding back on anyone – not the players, not himself, not the media.

The Clippers lost 93-110 to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. In the post-game interview, Coach Lue was asked if he believes teams can flip a switch and if the Clippers are a “flip the switch” team. He replied, “I don’t know. It’s my first time having this team, but I’ve seen teams flip the switch before. A lot of times actually. I’ve been a part of a lot of teams that can flip the switch and be great when the postseason comes.” The reporter continued snarkily, “You played with Kobe and Shaq, man stop it.” Coach Lue replied, “Yeah, so I saw it. What you mean? I saw Cleveland teams do it. I saw it.”

The reporter didn’t back down and responded, “They had LeBron James!” Coach Lue responded with, “I saw it. That’s what I’m saying.” As the exchange persisted, a frustrated Coach Lue responded, “It’s whatever, man. Y’all getting out of character. Y’all getting out of control, man.” 

Ty Lue joined the Clippers as head coach in late 2020 following Doc Rivers’ step down. He then led the team to their first Western Conference finals appearance in 2022. He has further coached Lebron James during his time Cleveland Cavaliers and led them to their first NBA title against odds in 2016. Living through it, Lue has his plan penned down in hopes of better for the year.

Coach Lue Not Mincing Words

The LA Clippers seem to be battling a familiar foe – inconsistency. Coach Ty Lue acknowledged this frustration, pinpointing four areas for improvement: ball security, transition defense, rebounding, and floor spacing. These very issues have been hovering over the Clippers in their recent loss to the Atlanta Hawks, and throughout stretches since the All-Star break.

Coach Lue emphasized the importance of execution, “When you don’t execute what you’re supposed to execute, then anybody can be beat in this league… And so, if you don’t take care of the things you’re supposed to take care of on a nightly basis, anybody can be beat in this league. I don’t care who you play… if you don’t play hard and compete and you don’t take care of the things you need to take care of on a nightly basis, you could lose any given night and so, tonight was one of those nights.”

The Clippers face the Portland Trailblazers tomorrow. At 42-25, they’re still clinging to the 4th seed in the West. But how long can they hold on? It’s not over till it’s over. Stay tuned to find out!

Read More: Clippers Lacking Russell Westbrook’s ‘Maniac’ Energy, Claims Bill Simmons After Ty Lue’s Heartbreaking Update