“Ty Lue has had to turn water into wine” - Kendrick Perkins is certain it is time to break up the LA Clippers

The LA Clippers' performance in the 2023-24 season was pivotal to deciding the fate of their team before entering the era of their own arena. However, their disappointing exit from the first round for a consecutive year prompted Kendrick Perkins to call out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for their inability to deliver their best when it matters the most.

Additionally, Big Perk expressed sympathy for coach Ty Lue , acknowledging the monumental task he is required to perform as his marquee players consistently quit on the team, which led to the declaration that it's time to break the star-studded Clippers team for good.

"I'll break it up," Perkins said on First Take. "Ty Lue, every single year that he has taken this head coaching job, he has had to turn water into wine, every single year. And I'm here to tell Ty Lue, don't sign their contract extension because there are better opportunities that are out there, right now in the NBA."

Was Ty Lue let down by his players?

As the Dallas Mavericks closed the regular season on a strong 16-4 run, it became evident that the Clippers would need all hands on deck to contend with the formidable camaraderie of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.

However, as the series began, Kawhi Leonard struggled with a calf injury, limiting him to just two games with minimal impact, averaging a mere 12.0 points. In addition, Paul George only managed to average 19.5 points, Russell Westbrook posted a meager 6.3 points, and James Harden contributed 21.2 points throughout six games.

While Lue's star players failed to perform at their best, Jason Kidd's dynamic duo wreaked havoc, with Kyrie averaging 26.5 points on 44.9% shooting from the three-point line and Doncic delivering a series-best 29.8 points to seal the series 4-2.

Considering this glaring contrast, Perkins emphasized that Lue deserves a franchise where his star players respond to his calls and do not disappoint him, urging the 47-year-old not to sign a contract extension with the Clippers in light of their repeated, consistent underperformance.

"You deserve better," Perkins added . "You deserve guys that's gonna be reliable, that's gonna be healthy… gonna perform with effort."

What does Lue want?

Following the Clippers' elimination and amidst speculation about coaching vacancies, including the Lakers' search for a new head coach after firing Darvin Ham, Lue was asked if he would consider switching teams. In response, he revealed his satisfaction with his current franchise.

One thing is certain in the NBA - nothing is set in stone. With the Lakers holding the financial power to make big decisions, it remains to be seen if they can entice Lue, especially considering his pivotal role in bringing back LeBron James.

Related: “That’s garbage” - Draymond Green calls out the Lakers for firing Darvin Ham