George Karl’s Undying Hatred for Jeanie Buss’ Lakers Explained

Jeanie Buss’ Los Angeles Lakers enjoy a massive fandom. From Leonardo DiCaprio to Jack Nicholson, the team has one of the biggest fan bases in the world. However, that doesn’t mean that the team is not under public scrutiny. Many such as former head coach George Karl have been consistent in their hatred and criticism of the franchise. Karl’s 73rd birthday wish was to watch the Lakers’ continued struggle to maintain their position in the league.

“Thanks for the birthday love!! My hopes in this new year are more Love, more Joy, more Understanding, the Return of the Sonics, another Nuggies championship, and continued struggles for Duke and the Lakers,” the former Denver Nuggets coach wrote on his X handle. It doesn’t seem to be a great wish for Lakers fans, but then again, the 73-year-old doesn’t seem to care either.

Just recently, the coach made quite a harsh remark on the team’s star players. Taking to his X handle, he claimed that King James isn’t the superstar anymore. Along with his cruel remark, he went on to pass another bold prediction that may have hurt the fans’ sentiments. He stated that LeBron James‘ teammate Anthony Davis has never been a superstar and probably won’t be one. 

“I’ll give the Lakers coaching search committee free advice today – LeBron isn’t a superstar anymore and AD will never be one. Now be sure to use those Truths when evaluating candidates and u might select someone u keep for longer than two szns!” Karl wrote. The reason for the criticism circles many factors.

What is the reason behind George Karl’s lingering grudge? 

Just recently, he fired a shot at the Los Angeles Lakers for firing their head coach for the third time in the last six years. The 73-year-old player claimed that the organization was wrong for pinning all the blame on their head coach Darvin Ham and firing him. 

After the Nuggets defeated the Lakers in Game 1 of the playoffs, Karl was among the many to take a humorous dig at the team. Ever since the Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets, fans have been quick to demand Ham’s dismissal. Currently, the Lakers are looking for his replacement. 

That’s not all. Karl also stated that the Lakers’ 2020 championship doesn’t count since it was won inside the Walt Disney World Resort bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NBA veteran has never been fond of the Lakers, and fans are aware of it. But what is the reason behind this hatred? 

Some assume that it is because the Lakers never hired him when there was a coaching vacancy. His son, Koby Karl being a part of the Lakers during the 2007-08 season also fits in the mix by some. However, many believe it stems from the bitter feelings of his previous defeats by the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his coaching career, George Karl’s teams had a 45-44 record against the team. Moreover, Lakers ended his Nuggets’ season thrice, enticing the matter. In fact, Karl himself adressed it.

“I can’t deny that I just despise the Lakers,” he said years ago. “There’s a bigger (description) for it that I can’t use in public. I’ve been beaten by them too many times.” Whatever the reason, what we know so far is that the Purple and Gold isn’t Karl’s favorite.