Someone who reportedly knows Clippers well: ‘They don’t like each other’

The Clippers are not as good as last season.

Their offense ranks a little worse and their defense ranks considerably worse. They’re still 21-11, so there’s no reason to panic, but the regression is a little surprising for a team that appeared headed in the right direction.

What gives?

David Aldridge of NBA.com:

Here’s the unvarnished opinion of someone who knows that team well: “They don’t like each other.” FWIW.

Aldridge has good sources around the league, and I trust this source is positioned to evaluate the Clippers. However, it’s only a single source, and Aldridge clearly isn’t ready to take his/her word as gospel.

I’d also question whether players squabbling means they don’t like each other. Winning causes chemistry as much as chemistry causes winning, and the Clippers have lost six of 11. It’d be understandable if the mood around the team turns small issues into larger ones.

It’s up to Doc Rivers now to determine whether an inevitable hot streak on the court will squash any internal beef or whether he’ll have to help mend fences – or even alter the roster – to get the team on track.