Clippers have insecurity problem being in Lakers’ shadow, says insider

The Clippers have dominated NBA headlines — and not in a good way.

The league ruled that the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer violated salary cap circumvention rules, which cost the organization five first-round picks and a $30 million fine.

Clippers beat writer Joey Linn believes the team has an insecurity problem surrounding the Lakers. On SiriusXM NBA Radio, Linn discussed why the manner in which the organization operates isn’t typical of a professional sports franchise.

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“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 tarnished their reputation over the ongoing Kawhi Leonard saga. Leonard was fined $700,000 due to his involvement in violating the NBA’s salary cap rules. One could argue the franchise’s desire to be seen as the premier basketball team in LA propelled the downward spiral into the NBA’s investigation.

Now, the Clippers are facing a federal criminal probe due to the league’s findings.