Throwback - Former Kobe Bryant teammate chooses the Clippers over the Lakers

Known as the City of Angels, LA’s big market has paved the way for two NBA teams: the Lakers and Clippers. Regarding popularity and identity, the Purple and Gold cannot be touched. Speaking of the so-called other team, they continue to strive for a fan base, branding themselves uniquely.

Having played on both teams, Lou Williams was asked to choose between the LA franchises. The 6-foot-1 guard named the Clippers his clear-cut winner in a 2022 statement .

“Clippers, that’s easy. That’s easy for me. I was part of a culture change over there. And I think we had a big part in how it looks now. I’m a part of that.”

The above was valid in Williams's case, as the Lakers struggled during his time there, and the late Kobe Bryant was at the tail end of his career. Across the spectrum, the Clippers were an exciting emerging team looking to make its mark.

Williams had a more significant impact on the Clippers than the Lakers

Though playing alongside the Black Mamba was a considerable honor, Williams failed to get his footing on the Lakers. In his two seasons with the Purple and Gold, Lou averaged 16.8 PPG on 42.7% shooting, having a losing record of 33-92.

In 2017, Williams returned to play for LA, but this time, it was for the Clippers, who were picking up the pieces after the end of the Lob City era. Amid a rebuilding phase, the team had many young individuals hungry for success, and Doc Rivers was coaching them.

Williams also witnessed the quick change in gears with the dawn of the 213 era 2019. Given their well-rounded roster, the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George made the Clippers a top contender in the West.

Arguably playing his best basketball, Williams posted his career-high 50 points and won back-to-back 6th MOY during his stint with the Clips. In his four years with the Ballmer organization, the all-time leader in bench points averaged 19.1 PPG and 5.1 APG on 42.6% shooting from the field, with a winning record of 159-102.

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