Interim Clippers Governor Backs Ty Lue, Thanks Kawhi Leonard in First Statement
The short version
- Interim Clippers governor John Gibson issued his first statement since the NBA's punishment over a salary cap scandal.
- Gibson confirmed Ty Lue remains head coach with the organization's full confidence.
- The Clippers completed a trade sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.
- Leonard joined the Clippers in 2019 aiming to bring the franchise its first NBA title.
John Gibson, the Clippers' new interim governor, addressed the franchise for the first time since the NBA's punishment and the trade sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto.
Interim Los Angeles Clippers governor John Gibson released a lengthy statement on social media, his first since taking over the role following the league's punishment of the franchise over a salary cap scandal.
Gibson said the organization would work closely with the NBA on compliance systems and oversight, and pledged to engage with players, staff, fans, sponsors and the league. He described the current moment as a defining one for the franchise.
"Trust is not given; trust is earned," Gibson said, adding that the team's goal is to compete with integrity and operate with professionalism.
The statement confirmed that Ty Lue remains head coach and that the front office has complete confidence in his leadership. Gibson credited Lue with overcoming adversity and uniting teams.
Gibson also confirmed the completion of the trade that sends Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors, thanking him for his contributions on the court. Leonard joined the Clippers in 2019 with the expectation of delivering the franchise's first NBA championship.
