After George Karl’s bitter exit from the Sacramento Kings organization during last year’s All-Star break, many assumed that the relationship breakdowns would have left a bad taste in the coach’s mouth. Apparently, that is not the case.

Speaking during the Kings media day on Monday, newly acquired point guard Ty Lawson surprised reporters when he revealed the part Karl played in his free agency decision, as per Blake Ellington of SB Nation:

“I talked to him probably three or four times before I made the decision to come here. Just about the organization, how everything is. Even about DeMarcus. It wasn't really as bad as what everybody was saying,” Lawson said. “He had good things to say about the organization and everybody so that's what made me ultimately choose Sacramento over New Orleans.”

Lawson’s relationship with the experienced head coach remains strong since his four seasons playing under him for the Denver Nuggets. Karl found a way to get the best out of Lawson, who has more recently struggled to establish himself for the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers. Some assumed that Lawson’s best days were behind him.

“I think I'm back to my rookie year right now. I've heard GMs say ‘he lost a step' and everything, ‘oh, he can't shoot no more.' I'm like it's only been a year. So I've just got a lot to prove and I've got a chip on my shoulder to prove it,” said Lawson.

It’s an important year for Lawson, who will be competing with Darren Collison and Garrett Temple in training camp for the opportunity to lead the backcourt.

If Lawson finds a way to get his career on track in the unpredictable environment of the Kings organization, he has a whole lot to thank his former coach for.