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The LA Clippers, formerly the Buffalo Braves and the San Diego Clippers, have a rich National Basketball Association (NBA) history. The franchise began as the Buffalo Braves in 1970 and relocated to San Diego in 1978 before moving to Los Angeles in 1984.
Struggles on and off the court characterized the LA Clippers' early years in Los Angeles. Despite some notable players and occasional success, the team lost in all but two seasons during this period. Additionally, ownership changes and instability within the front office led to a lack of direction and consistency.
The Clippers arrived in Los Angeles in 1984, following a controversial move from San Diego. The team struggled in their first few seasons, finishing with a losing record in their first five years in LA. Despite this, the group had some notable players during this period, including rookie forward Michael Cage, who led the team in rebounds and blocks in his first season.
The team's fortunes began to turn in the late 1980s with the arrival of point guard Ron Harper in 1989. Harper helped lead the team to a winning record in the 1989-1990 season, their first since moving to LA. The team also added veteran forward Danny Manning in 1994, who won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award in his first season with the team.
Despite these bright spots, the Clippers continued to struggle throughout the 1990s. Ownership changes and instability within the front office led to a lack of direction and consistency. The team had six different head coaches during this period and failed to make the playoffs in any season except for 1992-1993 and 1996-1997.
Off the court, the Clippers faced several controversies during this period. In 1993, then-owner Donald Sterling was sued by former Clippers executive Elgin Baylor for employment discrimination. The case went to trial in 2009, with a jury ruling in favor of Sterling.
In addition to the discrimination lawsuit, the Clippers faced criticism for their lack of investment in the team. The team played at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, an outdated and rundown facility that needed more amenities of modern NBA arenas. Despite these challenges, the Clippers remained in Los Angeles and continued to build towards a brighter future.
Sources:
"Los Angeles Clippers Franchise Index." Basketball Reference. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/
"Los Angeles Clippers." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Los-Angeles-Clippers
The 2000s marked a new era for the LA Clippers, with the emergence of Elton Brand and the arrival of key players like Sam Cassell and Corey Maggette. This period also saw the team's first playoff appearance in nine years and a breakthrough season in 2005-2006. Despite some struggles and disappointments, the 2000s represented a turning point for the Clippers franchise.
The Clippers' fortunes began to turn with the emergence of Elton Brand, who was drafted with the first overall pick in 2001. Brand quickly became the team's cornerstone player, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in his first four seasons.
The team also added key players like Sam Cassell and Corey Maggette in the mid-2000s. Cassell, a veteran point guard, was acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2005. Maggette, a talented scoring forward, was signed as a free agent that same year.
The additions of Cassell and Maggette helped the Clippers make the playoffs for the first time in nine years in the 2005-2006 season. The team won 47 games, the most in franchise history up to that point, and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. The team's success was due in large part to the contributions of Brand, who averaged 24.7 points and 10 rebounds per game during the regular season.
Despite the team's success in 2005-2006, the Clippers struggled to maintain that success in the following years. The team missed the playoffs in the 2006-2007 season and was eliminated in the first round in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
Off the court, the Clippers faced controversy in 2009 when former Clippers executive Elgin Baylor sued owner Donald Sterling for employment discrimination. The case went to trial in 2011, with a jury ruling in favor of Sterling.
Despite these challenges, the 2000s represented a turning point for the Clippers franchise. The emergence of Elton Brand and the addition of key players like Sam Cassell and Corey Maggette helped the team achieve their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade. The team's success in the 2005-2006 season was a breakthrough moment and set the stage for the team's future success.
Sources:
"Los Angeles Clippers Franchise Index." Basketball Reference. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/
"Los Angeles Clippers." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Los-Angeles-Clippers
The Blake Griffin era marked a new chapter in the history of the LA Clippers. Griffin, the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft, quickly became one of the league's most exciting and dominant players. Alongside other key players like Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, Griffin helped lead the Clippers to unprecedented success, including their first division titles and playoff appearances in over 20 years.
The Blake Griffin era began in 2009 when the Clippers drafted Griffin with the first overall pick. Griffin quickly established himself as a dominant force, averaging 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game in his rookie season. Griffin was named Rookie of the Year and became the first rookie selected to the All-Star Game since Yao Ming in 2003.
In 2011, the Clippers acquired point guard Chris Paul in a trade with the New Orleans Hornets. Adding Paul, one of the league's premier point guards, helped elevate the Clippers. With Paul leading the way, the Clippers made the playoffs in his six seasons with the team and won the Pacific Division title in 2013 and 2014.
Alongside Griffin and Paul, the Clippers also had a dominant frontcourt featuring DeAndre Jordan. Jordan, one of the league's top rebounders and shot-blockers, formed a formidable trio with Griffin and Paul and helped anchor the team's defense.
During the Blake Griffin era, the Clippers experienced unprecedented success. The team made the playoffs in each of Griffin's first five seasons with the team and advanced to the second round in 2012, 2014, and 2015. The team could not attend the conference finals or the NBA Finals despite this success.
Off the court, the Clippers faced controversy in 2014 when owner Donald Sterling was recorded making racist comments. The comments were widely condemned, leading to Sterling's banishment from the NBA and the team's sale to Steve Ballmer.
The Blake Griffin era ended in 2018 when Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons. The trade marked the end of a period for the Clippers, but the team continued to build toward the future, adding new players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Overall, the Blake Griffin era was a period of unprecedented success and excitement for the Clippers franchise. Griffin, Paul, and Jordan formed one of the league's most dominant trios and helped elevate the Clippers to new heights. While the team could not win a championship during this period, the Blake Griffin era marked a turning point in the team's history and set the stage for future success.
Sources:
"Los Angeles Clippers Franchise Index." Basketball Reference. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/
"Los Angeles Clippers." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Los-Angeles-Clippers
The arrival of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in 2019 marked a new chapter in the history of the LA Clippers. The two All-Star players were acquired in a blockbuster trade and free agent signing and were expected to lead the Clippers to their first NBA championship. While the team has yet to achieve that goal, the Clippers remain formidable in the NBA and are poised for future success.
The Clippers began rebuilding in the 2018-2019 season following the departure of Blake Griffin and several other key players. The team missed the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons but was able to acquire several promising young players in the process.
The Clippers made a significant splash in the offseason, signing Kawhi Leonard and trading for Paul George. Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, had just led the Toronto Raptors to their first championship, while George was one of the league's top scorers and defenders.
The addition of Leonard and George instantly made the Clippers one of the league's top teams. With the two All-Stars leading the way, the Clippers finished the 2019-2020 season with a 49-23 record, good for second place in the Western Conference.
The Clippers advanced to the second round of the playoffs but were ultimately eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in a stunning seven-game series. The team's disappointing playoff exit led to the departure of head coach Doc Rivers and raised questions about the team's ability to achieve its championship goals.
Despite the disappointment of the 2019-2020 season, the Clippers remain formidable in the NBA. With Leonard and George leading the way, the team has one of the league's most talented rosters and is poised for future success.
Off the court, the Clippers have also made significant contributions to the community. The team's charitable arm, the LA Clippers Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to local organizations and initiatives and has been recognized for its commitment to social justice and equality.
Overall, the rebuilding effort and arrival of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have marked a new chapter in the history of the LA Clippers. While the team has yet to achieve its ultimate goal of winning a championship, the Clippers remain one of the league's top teams and are poised for future success.
Sources:
"Los Angeles Clippers Franchise Index." Basketball Reference. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/
"Los Angeles Clippers." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Los-Angeles-Clippers
"LA Clippers Foundation." LA Clippers. https://www.nba.com/clippers/community/lacf
The LA Clippers have had several memorable moments and rivalries throughout their history. The Clippers have given fans plenty of excitement and drama, from historic playoff runs to heated rivalries with other teams.
2006 Playoffs: The Clippers made the playoffs for the first time in nine years in the 2005-2006 season and advanced to the second round for the first time in franchise history. Led by Elton Brand and Sam Cassell, the team won a thrilling Game 7 against the Phoenix Suns to advance to the conference semifinals.
Lob City Era: From 2011 to 2017, the Clippers had one of the most exciting and dominant teams in the NBA. Led by Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan, the team became known for their high-flying dunks and alley-oops, earning the nickname "Lob City."
2014 Ownership Change: The Clippers were thrown into turmoil in 2014 when then-owner Donald Sterling was recorded making racist comments. The comments led to Sterling's banishment from the NBA and the team's sale to Steve Ballmer, a move widely celebrated by fans and players alike.
Lakers: The Clippers' crosstown rivalry with the Lakers has been a major storyline in Los Angeles for decades. While the Lakers have traditionally been the more successful team, the Clippers have closed the gap recently, with both teams competing for supremacy in the city.
Warriors: The Clippers' rivalry with the Golden State Warriors reached new heights during the Lob City era. The two teams faced off in several heated playoff series, with tensions boiling over at times on the court.
Suns: The Clippers' playoff series against the Phoenix Suns in 2006 was among the most memorable in franchise history. The two teams engaged in a hard-fought, seven-game series that included several dramatic moments and led to the Clippers' historic playoff run.
Rockets: The Clippers' rivalry with the Houston Rockets has been fueled by several high-profile incidents, including a heated confrontation between Chris Paul and Rockets guard Patrick Beverley in 2018.
Overall, the LA Clippers have had several memorable moments and rivalries. The Clippers have given fans plenty of excitement and drama over the years, from historic playoff runs to heated battles with other teams.
Sources:
"Los Angeles Clippers Franchise Index." Basketball Reference. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/
"Los Angeles Clippers." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Los-Angeles-Clippers
"The Top 10 Moments in Clippers History." NBC Los Angeles. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/The-Top-10-Moments-in-Clippers-History-231524921.html
"Ranking the Clippers' Top 5 Rivalries." The Athletic. https://theathletic.com/1118857/2019/08/05/ranking-the-clippers-top-5-rivalries-lakers-warriors-rockets-suns-kings/
The LA Clippers have a rich legacy of community involvement, focusing on social justice, education, and health and wellness. The team's charitable arm, the LA Clippers Foundation, has made significant contributions to local organizations and initiatives and has been recognized for its commitment to positively impacting the community.
LA Clippers Foundation: The LA Clippers Foundation is the team's charitable arm, dedicated to positively impacting the community. The foundation has donated millions of dollars to local organizations and initiatives, focusing on education, health and wellness, and social justice.
Clippers FIT: Clippers FIT is a health and wellness program sponsored by the LA Clippers, designed to promote healthy habits and physical fitness among children and families. The program includes a variety of initiatives, including fitness challenges, nutrition education, and youth basketball clinics.
Social Justice: The LA Clippers have been vocal advocates for social justice, speaking out on issues such as police brutality and systemic racism. The team has worked closely with local organizations and community leaders to promote change and create a more equitable society.
Blake Griffin: Blake Griffin, who played for the Clippers from 2009 to 2018, is one of the most iconic players in franchise history. Griffin was a six-time All-Star and won the NBA's Rookie of the Year award in 2011.
Chris Paul: Chris Paul, who played for the Clippers from 2011 to 2017, is another iconic player in franchise history. Paul was a six-time All-Star and helped lead the team to several successful seasons during the Lob City era.
Elton Brand: Elton Brand, who played for the Clippers from 2001 to 2008, was one of the team's most dominant players during the early 2000s. Brand was a two-time All-Star and helped lead the team to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade in the 2005-2006 season.
Overall, the LA Clippers have a rich legacy of community involvement and charitable giving and have significantly impacted many people's lives in the Los Angeles area. The team has also been home to several iconic players who have left a lasting mark on the franchise and its fans.
Sources:
"Los Angeles Clippers Franchise Index." Basketball Reference. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/
"Los Angeles Clippers." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Los-Angeles-Clippers
"LA Clippers Foundation." LA Clippers. https://www.nba.com/clippers/community/lacf
"Clippers FIT." LA Clippers. https://www.nba.com/clippers/community/clippersfit
"Clippers' Stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin Help Raise $400,000 at Fundraiser." Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-xpm-2012-may-13-la-sp-clippers-20120514-story.html
"The Top 10 Players in Clippers History." NBC Los Angeles. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/The-Top-10-Players-in-Clippers-History-231524891.html
The LA Clippers have storied and often tumultuous history since the franchise was established in 1970. The team has undergone multiple ownership changes, rebrandings, and periods of success and struggle. Despite these challenges, the Clippers have remained a fixture in the NBA and have established a solid fan base in Los Angeles and beyond.
Throughout their history, the Clippers have been home to several iconic players and moments. From the early years in San Diego to the Lob City era and beyond, the team has given fans plenty of excitement and drama on the court.
Off the court, the Clippers have made significant contributions to the community, focusing on social justice, education, and health and wellness. The LA Clippers Foundation has donated millions of dollars to local organizations and initiatives and has been recognized for its commitment to positively impacting the community.
Looking to the future, the Clippers are well-positioned to continue their success on the court. With a talented roster led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the team is poised to compete for championships in future years.
Overall, the history of the LA Clippers is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the team and its fans. Through highs and lows, the Clippers have remained a beloved and enduring part of the NBA landscape and will continue making their mark on the league in future years.
Sources:
"Los Angeles Clippers Franchise Index." Basketball Reference. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/
"Los Angeles Clippers." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Los-Angeles-Clippers
"The Top 10 Moments in Clippers History." NBC Los Angeles. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/The-Top-10-Moments-in-Clippers-History-231524921.html
"LA Clippers Foundation." LA Clippers. https://www.nba.com/clippers/community/lacf
"Clippers' Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are Eager to Embrace Their LA Story." Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2019-07-24/clippers-kawhi-leonard-paul-george-embrace-their-la-story
The LA Clippers originated in San Diego, California, and were established as an expansion team in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1970. The team was initially known as the Buffalo Braves but was relocated to San Diego in 1978 and renamed the San Diego Clippers. The team played in San Diego for 22 years before moving to Los Angeles in 1984.
The Clippers moved to Los Angeles in 1984 for a variety of reasons. One major factor was the desire to tap into the more lucrative Los Angeles market, which offered excellent revenue opportunities and a more extensive fan base. Additionally, the team had struggled to attract fans and achieve consistent success in San Diego, leading to financial difficulties and an uncertain future. The move to Los Angeles was seen as a way to turn the franchise around and build a stronger foundation for long-term success.
The team is called the LA Clippers because they are based in Los Angeles, and the name "Clippers" was retained when the franchise moved from San Diego to LA in 1984. The name "Clippers" was initially chosen by the team's first owner, Irv Levin, who was a shipping magnate and named the team after the fast, sleek clipper ships used for trade and transportation in the 19th century. The team has continued using the name "Clippers" throughout its history in San Diego and Los Angeles.
Jesse M. Earl
Jesse M. Earl is an experienced sports blogger with 6 years of expertise in the field. Jesse has developed a reputation throughout his career for his insightful analysis and engaging commentary on various sports topics. He has covered many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, and is particularly interested in the intersection of sports and culture. Through his writing, Jesse provides a fresh and unique perspective on the latest sports news, offering readers a deeper understanding of the impact of sports on society. With his extensive knowledge and passion for sports, Jesse is a trusted voice in the world of sports journalism, and he continues to inspire and inform his readers with his thoughtful and thought-provoking content.
