Blake Griffin: Clippers Haven’t Honored ‘Lob City’ Team

The Los Angeles Clippers' "Lob City" era, led by Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, transformed a team once considered a joke in the NBA into a perennial playoff contender. Griffin, drafted first overall in 2009, propelled the franchise to new heights, winning Rookie of the Year in 2011 and forming a formidable duo with Paul. The two played an integral role in the team's unprecedented six consecutive playoff appearances from 2012 to 2017, a stretch that marked the first time the franchise had made the postseason in 35 years.

However, despite their success, Griffin revealed to Front Office Sports that the Clippers have never formally recognized or honored the team's achievements. Griffin mentioned that while he feels pride in the team's progress, the franchise never reached out to the group to commemorate their success. The Clippers were unable to reach the Western Conference Finals during this period, and the team disbanded following two consecutive first-round exits.

Griffin acknowledged the franchise's elevated expectations but emphasized that achieving playoff relevance and striving to be a better team were equally important. Following the NBA's investigation into the team's salary cap circumvention allegations involving Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers faced significant repercussions, including the loss of five first-round draft picks, a $30 million fine, and the suspension of owner Steve Ballmer for a year.

The team's recent decision to retire Bradley Beal's No. 3 jersey, the same number Chris Paul wore during his tenure with the Clippers, has further strained the relationship between the organization and the departed point guard. Griffin expressed disappointment over Paul's abrupt release from the team, calling it one of the most disrespectful actions he had ever experienced.

Griffin also questioned the decision, believing that with a Hall of Fame career like Paul's, the organization should have recognized and valued his leadership qualities.