The Los Angeles Clippers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Conference's Pacific Division. Historically overshadowed by their cross-town rival, the Lakers, the franchise is currently undergoing a radical transformation, fueled by passionate ownership, elite talent, and the construction of a dedicated, state-of-the-art arena.
A Turbulent Journey: From Buffalo to the Pacific
The franchise began its life in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves, an expansion team that enjoyed moderate early success behind players like Bob McAdoo. However, the team struggled with ownership changes and financial instability, leading to its relocation to San Diego in 1978. The team was renamed the San Diego Clippers, a nod to the great sailing ships that frequently passed through San Diego Bay.
In a highly controversial move, then-owner Donald Sterling relocated the team to Los Angeles in 1984 without league approval, establishing them in the already crowded L.A. sports market. For the next two decades, the "L.A. Clippers" became synonymous with chronic losing, poor management, and cheap contracts, earning them the unfortunate nickname "the Red-Headed Stepchild" of the NBA. They cycled through various arenas, ultimately settling as co-tenants of the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) with the Lakers.
The Defining Eras of Los Angeles Basketball
The "Lob City" Era (2011–2017)
The modern turnaround began with the 2011 trade that brought perennial All-Star point guard Chris Paul to the team. Paired with explosive power forward Blake Griffin and defensive stalwart center DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers became one of the NBA's most entertaining teams. Dubbed "Lob City" for their spectacular alley-oops and high-flying offense, this group brought consistent relevance to the franchise.
Under coach Doc Rivers, the team routinely made the playoffs and captured multiple Pacific Division titles, yet they became infamous for dramatic collapses and were never able to advance past the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite the lack of ultimate success, this era established a loyal fan base and proved the team could compete for L.A.'s attention.
The Ballmer Acquisition and Transformation
The most significant shift in franchise history occurred in 2014 when Steve Ballmer, the former Microsoft CEO, purchased the team for a staggering $2 billion following a league-mandated sale due to racist remarks made by Donald Sterling. Ballmer's arrival injected immense resources, ambition, and a commitment to winning, symbolized by the team motto: "The only thing that matters is the next thing."
The Kawhi-PG Era and Championship Pursuit
In the summer of 2019, Ballmer’s vision paid off with the blockbuster signings of two of the league's elite two-way players: NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and All-Star forward Paul George. This instantly catapulted the Clippers into the role of title favorites.
This current era has been defined by elite defense, strategic load management, and a relentless pursuit of the franchise’s first-ever NBA Finals appearance. They achieved a major milestone in 2021 by reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time in team history, though injuries to Leonard ultimately stalled their championship bid. The team now operates with a singular focus on achieving that final step, often prioritizing player health and late-season peak performance over regular-season records.
The Intuit Dome: A New Independent Home
The ultimate symbol of the Clippers' independence and identity is the Intuit Dome, a cutting-edge, $2 billion arena currently under construction in Inglewood, California. Set to open soon, the Dome will serve as the Clippers' first-ever dedicated home arena.
Designed with fan experience and acoustics in mind, the arena features a unique 51-row section behind the opponent's basket called "The Wall," intended to create an unparalleled home-court advantage. The Intuit Dome represents a final, deliberate separation from the Lakers, allowing the Clippers to build their own culture, history, and legacy without sharing a venue or spotlight.
The Los Angeles Clippers are no longer defined by failure or second-place status. With strong leadership, a superstar core, and a physical foundation in the Intuit Dome, the franchise is poised to leave behind its tumultuous past and secure a new, championship-contending future.