In the sprawling basketball mecca of Los Angeles, the rivalry between the Lakers and Clippers often feels more like a family dispute than an evenly matched battle. The Lakers, with their towering 17 championships and global fanbase, have long overshadowed the Clippers, who have yet to even sniff an NBA Finals appearance. But three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams just reignited the debate with a bold take on his personal preference between the two teams—and it’s not what most fans expected.
Appearing on FanDuel’s Run It Back show, Williams, who spent three and a half seasons with the Clippers and one and a half with the Lakers, shattered assumptions about where players might prefer to suit up. While veteran analyst Michelle Beadle asked the panel whether they’d rather play for the Lakers or Clippers, Williams’ response stood out for its nuance and honesty.
“The experiences are different,” Lou explains
“It’s Lakers all day long,” said co-host Chandler Parsons, who never played for either team and quickly planted his flag with the league’s glamour franchise.
But Williams, who actually experienced life on both sides of the rivalry, offered a surprising counter. “What I will tell you, the experiences are different,” he explained. “My personality—I enjoyed playing for the Clippers a lot more. I loved playing for the Lakers, but my personal experience was better with the Clippers.”
This admission sent shockwaves through NBA circles, as players typically gravitate toward the prestige and visibility of wearing purple and gold. However, Williams highlighted a critical shift in the Clippers’ identity under owner Steve Ballmer, who has transformed the franchise into a world-class organization since taking over in 2014.
Clippers’ rising star power vs. Lakers’ legacy
The Clippers have often been dismissed as the Lakers’ “little brother,” but they’ve carved out a distinct culture that resonates with players like Williams. Under Ballmer’s ownership, the Clippers have prioritized creating a player-centric environment with state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to building a competitive roster.
This season, the Clippers are quietly outperforming their crosstown rivals, sitting 1.5 games ahead of the Lakers in the standings and fresh off a commanding 116-102 victory over them. While the Lakers remain steeped in tradition and a star-studded history, the Clippers are proving they can compete where it counts: on the court.
Lou’s perspective matters
Williams’ perspective adds weight to the conversation because he’s walked both paths in Los Angeles. For players, the experience isn’t just about banners and legacy—it’s about day-to-day culture, team dynamics, and personal fit.
Meanwhile, fans and analysts continue to debate the importance of rivalry in a city where one team’s success has long eclipsed the other’s efforts. The Lakers may still hold the crown as L.A.’s basketball royalty, but Lou Williams’ comments reflect a shift in how the Clippers are perceived within NBA circles—especially by those who’ve been on the inside.
What this means for the rivalry
The Lakers will likely always dominate the narrative in Los Angeles, but the Clippers’ steady rise and commitment to excellence are closing the gap. As players like Williams openly voice their appreciation for the Clippers’ culture, the team’s credibility as a serious contender—not just a sideshow to the Lakers—continues to grow.
Whether this rivalry will ever reach the boiling point remains to be seen, but Lou Williams’ surprising stance is proof that the Clippers are no longer just a footnote in L.A.’s basketball story. The battle for Los Angeles is heating up, and the Clippers are making sure their voice is heard.
