Clippers Coach Defends Himself Amid Scandalous Chris Paul Split

The Los Angeles Clippers' dumpster-fire season took another turn last week when franchise legend Chris Paul was unceremoniously jettisoned from his "farewell tour." 

Multiple reports surfaced alleging a deep rift, which culminated in the Clippers dismissing Paul from the team, in the early morning hours during a trip to Atlanta.

SACRAMENTO - Head Coach Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers coaches Chris Paul against the Sacramento Kings during a NBA Preseason game on October 15, 2025 at Golden 1 Center. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Clips were reportedly exhausted by Paul's continued push to lead the regime and hold management, coaches and teammates accountable, which ultimately led to him being labeled "disruptive." 

Almost a week after the PR nightmare for both CP3 and LA, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue denied that his relationship with the "Point God" had completely ended.

READ: Chris Paul's Messy Clippers Divorce Intensifies With Taunt From 'Lob City' Stars

"That ain't true," Lue said, speaking to reporters and directly addressing reports the two men had not spoken for weeks. 

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"How he gonna play and I'm not talking to him? There was a stretch when he wasn't gonna play and be out of the rotation. It was tough for him because he's a competitor," Lue noted.

Clippers President Lawrence Frank flew to Atlanta, meeting Paul in a hotel to deliver the news after a late flight delay. 

Paul, a 12-time All-Star, then took to social media, posting: "Just found out I'm being sent home." 

Basketball: NBA Playoffs: Los Angeles Clippers (L-R) Matt Barnes, assistant coach Tyronn Lue, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul during game vs Golden State Warriors at Staples Center. Game 7. Los Angeles, CA 5/3/2014 Photo: John W. McDonough (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

Paul reportedly requested a meeting with Lue weeks prior to discuss allegations of being a "negative presence," a meeting Lue allegedly refused. 

The decision to cut Paul came directly after this communication breakdown.

Shortly after his departure was confirmed, Paul posted a screenshot of himself on a video call, reunited with his two most iconic "Lob City" era teammates, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. 

While Lue distanced himself from the frosty relationship rumors, he did not shy away from the somber mood in the locker room in the aftermath. 

Head Coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers and Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns talk after the game on April 6, 2022 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

"The guys were not happy about it," Lue added on Tuesday. 

"That's their teammate. It's a guy they also go to war with every single day and he was part of us. So it's tough. 

"The organization made the decision to do it, but we've got to move on. We've got to try to win some games. I don't think the mood changed because Chris is gone. Like nobody wanted to see him go like that."

Some fans already jumped ship from the Clippers after they disrespected the fan-favorite guard, though why it took them so long to stop rooting for the losing franchise is a mystery, too.

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