The Los Angeles Clippers have long lived in the shadow of the Lakers, but they have a fascinating story of their own.
Let’s uncover some of their unique history and quirky facts:
- Buffalo Beginnings The Clippers weren’t always a Los Angeles team. They began their life as the Buffalo Braves in 1970.
- A Rocky Relocation History They moved from Buffalo to San Diego in 1978 to become the San Diego Clippers. Six years later in 1984, they moved again, this time to Los Angeles.
- A Sterling Controversy Former owner Donald Sterling’s racist comments led to public outrage and a lifetime ban from the NBA in 2014, creating a tumultuous period for the franchise.
- The Curse of the Clippers For years, Clippers fans lamented a supposed “curse” on the team. They were known for underperforming, injuries, and playoff disappointments.
- Lob City Era Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Jordan formed a high-flying trio nicknamed “Lob City.” Their dunks were spectacular but ultimately fell short of a championship.
- Breaking the Lakers’ Shadow The Clippers haven’t won a championship, but in recent years they’ve built a strong team that consistently challenges their LA rivals, the Lakers.
- A New Era of Ownership Steve Ballmer bought the Clippers in 2014, ushering in a period of stability and increased financial commitment to the team.
- Famous Fans from the Start Despite earlier struggles, the Clippers have drawn celebrity fans. Billy Crystal is one of their most iconic and loyal supporters.
- The Mascot with a Dunk Chuck the Condor, the Clippers’ mascot, is known for his acrobatic dunks and high-energy antics that get the crowd pumped up.
- Changing the Culture Recent successes led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have shifted the narrative. The Clippers are no longer considered underdogs.
- Unique Rivalries While the Lakers are the big one, the Clippers have developed intense rivalries with teams like the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.
- A Brand New Arena on the Horizon The Clippers plan to move into their own arena, the Intuit Dome, in 2024. This aims to solidify their identity outside of sharing with the Lakers and Kings.
- Dance Team Tradition The Clippers Spirit Dance team has been part of the franchise since its San Diego days, adding entertainment and energy to home games.
- Giving Back Matters The Clippers Foundation is active in the LA community, focusing on education, health, and mentorship programs for youth.
- The Color Scheme that Pops The Clippers’ iconic red, white, and blue color scheme stands out. It’s bold and instantly recognizable to basketball fans.