With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the fold, the scrappy Los Angeles Clippers squad elevated to contender-status this past season and arrived at the playoffs as a perceived threat to the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, the Clippers' newfound star-centric dynamic reportedly irked several of the team's talents. In particular, guards Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams, and big man Montrezl Harrell - central figures on the 2018-19 roster - were irritated by the team's handling of Leonard, sources told The Athletic's Jovan Buha and Joe Vardon.
The disgruntled Clippers reportedly had several issues with the two-time Finals MVP, including the star's load management and the organization allowing him to live in San Diego, which often resulted in Leonard being late for team flights.
The Clippers are reportedly hiring Tyronn Lue as the team's new head coach. The 43-year-old has experience massaging star egos after guiding the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers to the 2016 title after taking over coaching duties midseason from David Blatt.
