Leaving the Clippers was bitter for Paul George. In an earlier podcast episode, the 34-year-old claimed he never wanted to leave. However, things did not pan out as he would have expected, and soon after, what followed was betrayal and disrespect. As the father-son duo sat down to talk about it on the latest episode of PG13’s podcast show, many secrets came unraveling through.

Paul George Sr. spoke about his son’s side of the story, as he went on to talk about the Clippers specifically. The 34-year-old NBA star, who was pushing for a maximum extension, was left ‘hurt’ by the Clippers’ initial two-year, $60 million deal, a deal he called ‘disrespectful’. And per his father, this was enough to tempt him to almost join their rivals, the Lakers.

“It was hurting. I feel like they stabbed us in the back because I thought Paul did a whole lot for the team. As far as the fan base, the fans were there. He was there. I think he gave them a 110% and what he was asking, it wasn’t a whole lot. But they see something different. But I didn’t want him to just take anything, you know. So this whole thing, you know he does stand up for what he believes in. And so he felt like that was a bunch of bull that they came at him with and I wasn’t going to sugar coat it either,” Paul George Sr said.

Apparently, the Clippers’ negotiations and demeanor toward extending him ‘hurt’ the family. And even though it meant moving away from home. Paul George Sr. didn’t hesitate in giving his son the green light.

It wasn’t that Paul George didn’t budge from his demands for the $212 million extension he was qualified for. In his discussions, George revealed to asking for a three-year $150 million, similar to what franchise star Kawhi Leonard was awarded. However, he wanted it to have a no-trade clause given his loyalty and strenuous efforts, especially from last season.

With the Klaw injured, Paul George participated in 74 games during the regular season providing a credible output. It was the highest number of games he had played since joining the Clippers five seasons ago. Despite this, the Clippers didn’t see it fit to provide George with such a contract citing ‘roster building’ reasons.

Hence, he would sign with the Sixers. However, though Paul George Sr. was content with his son leaving home, his heart still wanted the dynamic forward to remain intact.

Paul George’s father wanted him to join the Lakers

While discussing the blockbuster trade saga, Paul George Sr. said he wanted his son to be paid an amount he had earned. Considering the wiggle room he offered, he was happy with seeing Paul George thrive in another setting. However, he did wish it to be with their neighboring rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers.

“We didn’t stutter about it. Well, let me think about it. What they come at you like this? Oh no you got to go. I was looking at okay well we going to go next door then. But they already spent too much money. We going to still come down in the tunnel. He just going to be wearing a different color,” he said of his wishes. 

Unsurprisingly, the appeal of staying at home had to be a considering factor for PG13. Now 34, George has more than just the game of basketball to worry about. Likewise, a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers would have been ideal. Unfortunately, the Lakers had spent the majority of their cap in re-signing LeBron James and Anthony Davis over the past few seasons. They simply have no room to accommodate another $50 million player in their ranks.

Would you have wanted to see Paul George attain revenge on the Clippers by joining their next-door rivals? Let us know your views in the comments below.