Blake Griffin, the retired NBA star, just dropped some serious truth bombs, saying the Los Angeles Clippers still haven’t given the “Lob City” era the recognition it deserves. He told Front Office Sports’ Dan Roberts that he doesn’t think they’ve “ever been asked to come back or do anything or honor that team,” and honestly, that’s wild to hear.
‘Lob City’ Deserves More Than Just Crickets From the Clippers
Think about it, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Jordan weren’t just a fun highlight reel. Griffin argues that entire crew helped completely change the Clippers’ identity. Before “Lob City,” the team was, let’s be real, a joke in L.A. But from 2011-17, they became consistent winners and, more importantly, *fun to watch* on a nightly basis for the first time since moving to the city. That’s a huge shift.
Griffin wasn’t wrong when he said that while they didn’t snag a championship, they definitely raised the bar. He sees it as leaving the place better than they found it. And he’s right! Does Steve Ballmer even buy the Clippers in 2014 without “Lob City” proving they could be a legitimate force? Would Kawhi Leonard have even considered signing in 2019 if that proof of concept didn’t exist? Probably not. Winning a ring is the ultimate goal, sure, but creating moments and building a new foundation, that’s also worth celebrating in spades, and the “Lob City” crew delivered.
Chris Paul’s Confusing Return Was a Total Disconnect
But the snub of his era isn’t the only thing Griffin’s scratching his head about. He also laid out his disappointment with Chris Paul’s ill-fated return to Los Angeles last season. Remember that mess? Paul made only 16 appearances before getting “excommunicated.” Griffin was straight-up confused by the whole situation.
“Obviously knowing that was gonna be his last season, you would think that they knew what they were getting,” Griffin told Roberts. He pointed out that when you sign a Chris Paul, you’re not just getting a player; you’re getting his mind. Paul has been “a leader, he’s a talker” his whole career, so why wouldn’t the Clippers use that to their advantage? It sounds like a massive disconnect, and Griffin’s calling it like he sees it. It just doesn’t make sense to bring in a guy like that and then sideline everything that makes him *him*.
The Clippers might not have advanced past the second round during the “Lob City” years, but that’s not the full story. The legacy those guys built, the excitement they brought to a struggling franchise, and the foundation they laid for future success, that’s something an organization should embrace. Griffin’s comments are a stark reminder that sometimes, the moments and the culture shift are just as important as the trophies, and maybe it’s time for the Clippers to finally acknowledge that.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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