One of the most iconic sixth men in history, Lou Williams, has unsurprisingly left a lasting impact on the NBA. He boosted countless rosters after building his career with Allen Iverson on the Philadelphia 76ers, but his best years were clearly with the LA Clippers.
In an interview with Bradley Beal, the three-time All-Star revealed some news that fans were unaware of. This had to do with the three-time Sixth Man of the Year, and how he unknowingly helped convince Beal to join the Clippers.
What Williams did with the Clippers was special, averaging 19.1 points and 5.1 assists across 261 games. However, knowing that years after he was traded, he is still making positive contributions to the organization proves that he deserves to have his name and jersey in the rafters.
That said, the simplest yet most meaningful aspect about Williams drew Beal to LA, and now he has a chance to win his first ring in his career during the Intuit Dome's second season.
Bradley Beal saw a Lou Williams jersey and made up his mind on the Clippers
It was not a conversation Bradley Beal had with Lou Williams, nor was a third party involved to help the once 30-point-per-game scorer make his choice, but it was a signed jersey that did the trick. This is shocking, as Beal had interest from several other teams.
Furthermore, at Beal's residence, given his long-standing success, there are likely many signed jerseys from NBA players, both active and retired. But, per the interview on the show titled "Underground Lounge," the veteran guard was quickly reminded of William's greatness for the Clippers.
Bradley Beal x lou will live from intuit
— Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) October 8, 2025
Talks about how James Harden told him his journey to ending up a clipper.
Says he was at home one day kicking it, said he has a lou will clipper jersey hanging up on his wall and he thought of lou will’s clipper tenure & it hit him. pic.twitter.com/90fCHrjv6m
This could have led to the urge to mimic what Williams did for LA, and to do so, he would have to sign with the Clippers, dominate under any role, and prove his will to win by playing with all of his heart and might.
Moreover, it will take a lot to reach the status of the Williams, but Beal can do it. He is an elite scorer and has demonstrated in media day and training camp that he is in the right mindset to do whatever it takes to win, even if that means a bench role.
That said, James Harden certainly had to do some convincing to increase Beal's interest in joining the Clippers, but a simple moment reminiscent of Williams' past was seen as a sign of where the legendary Washington Wizard should begin his next chapter.