NBA Veteran Warns kings’ Westbrook & DeRozan Could Face Clippers‘ treatment of Chris Paul
A recent report detailing a fractured relationship between Chris Paul and the los Angeles Clippers is sparking concern that other NBA veterans could face a similar fate, according to commentary surfacing online. The situation, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on December 3, 2025, highlights a clash between Paul’s assertive leadership style and the Clippers’ organizational preferences.
The core issue, according to sources, stemmed from Paul’s direct accountability measures toward management, coaches, and fellow players – a practice the Clippers deemed disruptive. Charania specifically noted a period where Clippers coach Ty Lue and Paul were not on speaking terms for several weeks. This incident has fueled speculation about how the NBA treats aging stars, prompting discussion about the potential for similar scenarios involving current veterans like Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan of the Sacramento Kings.
The concern centers on a perceived trend of teams sidelining established players as their careers progress. Commentators suggest that Westbrook experienced a similar lack of respect during the recent offseason, and now, Paul’s situation with the clippers raises fears that Westbrook and DeRozan could be similarly marginalized. While ther’s no indication the Kings plan to abruptly cut ties with either player, the sentiment is that the league shouldn’t prematurely push these NBA legends to the sidelines.
