Chris Paul's Clippers Exit Explained by Lawrence Frank, Says He's Not Scapegoating

Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told reporters Wednesday he is not making Chris Paul a "scapegoat" by abruptly parting ways with him following a 5-16 start to the 2025-26 season.

"We did not make this move because of our underperformance. He had nothing to do with that," Frank said on a Zoom call, per Clippers reporter Justin Russo. "I take full responsibility for our record. We are not scapegoating Chris Paul. We have many issues and we are going to address each issue."

Frank continued, per Russo: "We're 5-16. I completely own that. I'm not putting that on Chris Paul at all.

"This is not a situation where I'm using Chris as a scapegoat for the job that I've done. Chris' legacy with us stands. This situation just didn't work out at this time."

Frank announced earlier Wednesday the Clippers would be "parting ways" with Paul just four months after signing him to a one-year, $3.6 million contract.

Both ESPN's Shams Charania and NBA insider Chris Haynes reported there had been a split between Paul and Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue prior to his exit.

Paul first indicated there had been a split with the team early Wednesday morning, when he posted an Instagram story around 3 a.m. ET saying he was "being sent home."

The Clippers had been preparing at the time for a Wednesday night road game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Charania reported Wednesday that Paul had not been "on speaking terms" with Lue for multiple weeks prior to his dismissal.

"Paul has been vocal in holding management, coaches and players accountable, which the team felt became disruptive," Charania wrote.

Haynes reported that Paul had requested a meeting with Lue "weeks ago," which Lue had "refused."

Frank said Wednesday that Paul "has a very good leadership style." He also backed Lue, however, as the current and future leader of the team.

Lue is currently signed through the 2028-29 season thanks to an extension he agreed to in May 2024.

"He's a hell of a coach. He's gonna continue to be the coach here for a long time," Frank said about Lue, per Russo.

Frank also explained the decision to part ways with Paul had been made Sunday, per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.

He told reporters he had arranged on Monday to meet with Paul, but that the meeting was delayed when the Clippers got stuck at the Miami airport for six hours Tuesday.

Lawrence told reporters he and Paul ultimately met for about three hours Tuesday night, presumably prior to Paul's post on social media.

"Someone that you care about, someone that means a great deal to the organization, it's not gonna be a five-minute Moneyball meeting," Lawrence said, per Russo.

Paul previously played six seasons for the Clippers between 2011 and 2016, a span during which he led the NBA in assists (twice) and steals (three times) while being named to six straight First All-Defensive Teams.

He then played stints with the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs before returning to the Clippers in July.

Haynes previously reported that Paul had wanted his final NBA season to be with the Clippers. The 12-time All-Star will now instead hit free agency after playing just 16 games of his age-40 campaign.