9 People who turned their backs on the LA Clippers

Chris Paul

They say you should keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. They also say that if you can't beat them, you should join them. Sure - but if you join your enemies after you can't beat them, you can expect to make some new enemies.

In the 2015 Western Conference semifinals, the Clippers blew a 3-1 lead against the Houston Rockets. This series holds an inordinate amount of historical significance for Clippers fans. The Rockets sparked a furious Game 6 comeback by keeping current Clipper James Harden on the bench.

Two years later, Paul would join the Rockets. Sure, he was "traded" to Houston. It's widely understood that Paul forced the issue.

""He left because he wanted to be with James Harden. Let's not get that twisted"."

- Doc Rivers

If the Clippers refused to send him to Space City, Paul was expected to hit free agency and find a way to Houston. Paul wanted to join Harden on the Rockets - and turn his back on the Clippers