Lou Williams suited up for both Los Angeles teams in his career, but when asked to compare his experiences, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year didn’t hesitate to give the edge to the Clippers. Speaking on FanDuelTV, Williams admitted that while he enjoyed playing for the Lakers, his personal journey was more fulfilling with the Clippers.
“The experiences are different, but for me personally, I enjoy playing for the Clippers a lot more," said Williams. "I love playing for the Lakers, but my personal experience was better with the Clippers.”
The Lakers are one of the NBA's most storied franchises, with a history that includes 16 championship rings and countless star signings. As the premier team in Los Angeles and with a reputation for glitz and glamour, it's easy to assume that most stars would rather join them than the Clippers.
Of course, Lou Williams is the exception. As someone who played with both teams during his career, Williams would know more than most about this topic, but his answer wasn't what most would expect. Looking back, he enjoyed his time with both teams, but much preferred the Clippers lifestyle.
In the 2015 offseason, he became a Laker during rough times for the franchise. He only lasted 125 games with the Purple and Gold, but he played his role well with averages of 16.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on 42.7% shooting.
Williams later joined the Clippers, and he stayed there for much longer. Despite being 30 in his first season as a Clipper, his tenure there was the best stretch of his career, with averages of 20.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
The Clippers brought out the best in Lou Williams, thanks to a more humble lifestyle, a calmer environment, and less pressure to perform every year. He was the lifeblood of the team before Kawhi Leonard's arrival and was able to forge a real bond with some of his teammates there, like Patrick Beverley, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Montrezl Harrell (among others).
Conversely, the Lakers proved to be a much more frustrating experience, and not just because they were losing. During a previous conversation on the subject, Williams revealed the major differences between the franchises, most notably how the Lakers represented "Hollywood" while the Clippers were for "the hood." Unlike the Lakers, Williams and his teammates felt free to be themselves and create their own identity for the team.
That kind of thing is powerful in today's NBA, and it's what many stars live for. Beyond being good on the court, it's about what happens behind the scenes that really matters, and Lou Williams stands as the latest example that not everybody is built for the spotlight.
For some players (like Williams), it's about finding a place to be themselves and play their game. The Clippers provide that space, and it can help maximize the right player's career. Sometimes the right fit matters more than the brand, and Lou Will’s story proves it.
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