The Los Angeles Clippers are facing growing criticism following the NBA’s investigation into salary-cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard.
The league determined that the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer violated its rules, resulting in a $30 million fine and the loss of five first-round picks. Ballmer was also suspended for one year, while Leonard was fined $700,000.
Clippers beat writer Joey Linn believes some of the organization’s problems stem from its efforts to escape the Lakers’ shadow and establish its own identity in Los Angeles.
“This is an organization, that whether they want to admit it or not, have operated as if they are trying to get out of the Lakers’ shadow. And look no further than right after they acquired Kawhi Leonard and they ran this L.A. Our Way campaign across the city of Los Angeles basically trying to establish themselves as their own team in LA.
“But it’s a lot deeper than that. Some of the things that go on, some of the tactics that are used to control the narrative on the Clippers’ side of things, at least in the way they’re carried out, aren’t exactly typical of what you would see from a professional sports organization.
“And that’s just where it does seem like an insecurity problem.”
The Clippers have worked to distinguish themselves from the Lakers for years, with the “L.A. Our Way” campaign becoming one of the clearest examples after Leonard joined the franchise.
Linn suggested the issue extends beyond marketing, questioning some of the organization’s methods for controlling the narrative surrounding the team.
The controversy has now extended beyond the NBA, as the Clippers are also facing a federal criminal probe related to the circumstances surrounding the salary-cap violations.
