The LA Clippers have performed terribly to start the 2025-26 NBA season. The team is tied with the Sacramento Kings for 13th place in the Western Conference. Both teams have a 5-16 record, and things haven't been going according to plan. Following the disastrous start, general manager Lawrence Frank revealed how owner Steve Ballmer reacted to their recent play.LA was supposed to be at the top of their game this season. After a 50-35 record last season, the team was expected to have a similar level of success. Unfortunately for them, they've struggled to have a winning record.Frank revealed that Ballmer was "embarrassed" with the team's performance."He's very, very disappointed and embarrassed in our play," Frank said.The team's playoff hopes have become increasingly unlikely. Before things got worse, Ballmer issued a challenge to Frank and coach Ty Lue to fix things. Law Murray of The Athletic reported on what the owner wants to see from the two to turn things around. “(Clippers owner Steve) Ballmer told The Athletic that he speaks with Lue and basketball president Lawrence Frank about how to turn things around. Ballmer also made it clear that the job to turn it around is on Lue and Frank,” Murray wrote.The team has dealt with injury issues to Kawhi Leonard. He's appeared in only 11 games, averaging 26.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists. His co-star, James Harden, has been the only consistent star for the team. Harden has played in 20 games, averaging 26.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 8.4 apg.The Clippers' decision to release Chris Paul was because of his rift with Ty LueFans were surprised by the Clippers' decision to release Chris Paul on Wednesday, ahead of their game against the Atlanta Hawks. Paul is in his final season in the NBA and is in the middle of his farewell tour. But with the rough start to the year, the organization parted ways with the veteran star. In his Instagram stories, Paul informed his fans that the team told him to go home.“Just Found Out I’m Being Sent Home ✌️” he posted on IG.According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Paul reportedly requested a meeting with Lue. The meeting was to discuss the allegations that he's a negative presence in the locker room. However, the coach refused to have the meeting. Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynesLINKSources: Weeks ago Chris Paul requested to have a meeting with Tyronn Lue to discuss allegations of being a negative presence on team. Lue refused to meet with him. Lawrence Frank traveled to Atlanta to deliver news of parting ways. Paul desired final season to be with Clippers.Before returning to the Clippers, Paul already had history with the franchise. He had six memorable seasons with the team from 2011 to 2017. The 40-year-old helped put the team on the map and started the "Lob City" with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. During his time, he was a consistent All-Star and All-NBA player.