22
Oct
5 min read
Los Angeles Clippers NBA Profile: Five things you need to know
LA's other NBA franchise still chasing NBA championship
- Started as the Buffalo Braves before moving to San Diego
- Steve Ballmer brought the team for $2BN in 2014
- Acquired Kawhi Leonard in 2019
The Los Angeles Clippers continue to be a competitive NBA franchise after decades as league doormats. Now playing in their new state-of-the-art Intuit Dome arena, the Clippers are looking to finally break through and win their first NBA championship, much the same way their cross city rivals did back in 2000 when the Lakers moved to Staples Center, winning the NBA Championship that year.
Key Details
Location: Los Angeles, California
Year Founded: 1970 (as Buffalo Braves)
Home Arena: Intuit Dome
Championships: 0
Major Rivals: Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors
Australians who have played for the Los Angeles Clippers
None
Identity
The Clippers have transformed their identity from perennial losers to legitimate title contenders in recent years. Under the ownership of former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer since 2014, the franchise has invested heavily in player talent, facilities, and organisational infrastructure.
Their playing style emphasises strong defense, efficient offense, and depth. Head coach Tyronn Lue employs versatile lineups that can play big or small depending on matchups. Stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George form one of the NBA's most talented wing duos when healthy.
The team culture has moved past the dark days of Donald Sterling's ownership to become one of the most appealing destinations for top players and coaches. There's a palpable excitement around the franchise as they aim to finally break through and win a championship.
Legacy & Impact
For most of their history, the Clippers were synonymous with futility and mismanagement. After moving from Buffalo to San Diego in 1978 and then to Los Angeles in 1984, the team struggled to find success or relevance playing in the shadow of the Lakers.
The franchise's fortunes began to turn around in the early 2010s with the "Lob City" era led by Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. While that group never made it past the second round of the playoffs, it established the Clippers as a winning franchise.
The 2019 acquisitions of Leonard and George elevated the team to true championship contender status. In 2021, the Clippers finally broke through to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Five Fast Facts
- The Clippers have never won an NBA championship or conference title in their 53-year history.
- Their 17-65 record in 1986-87 remains one of the worst seasons in NBA history.
- Between 1977 and 2011, the Clippers made the playoffs only 4 times in 33 seasons.
- Chris Paul's arrival in 2011 sparked six straight playoff appearances from 2012-2017.
- The team moved into the new $1.2 billion Intuit Dome arena in Inglewood in 2024.
Club Timeline
1970: Franchise founded as Buffalo Braves
1978: Team relocates to San Diego, rebranded as Clippers
1984: Clippers move to Los Angeles
2011: Chris Paul trade ushers in "Lob City" era
2014: Steve Ballmer purchases team for $2 billion
2019: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George join Clippers
2021: First Western Conference Finals appearance
2024: Move into new Intuit Dome arena
Key Statistics
All-Time Record: 1,736-2,439 (.416 winning percentage)
Championship History: 0 NBA titles, 0 conference titles
Hall of Fame Players: Bob McAdoo, Bill Walton, Dominique Wilkins, Paul Pierce
Retired Numbers: None
Notable Records: 17 straight wins (2012-13 season)
Today
The Clippers enter the 2024-25 season with championship aspirations as they begin play in their new Inglewood arena. While injuries have derailed recent playoff runs, the team remains confident that their star duo of Leonard and Harden can lead them to the promised land if they can stay healthy.
Head coach Tyronn Lue has proven adept at maximising the roster's talents and putting players in positions to succeed. A deep supporting cast including James Harden, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell gives the Clippers plenty of offensive firepower.
As they settle into their new home and look to build on recent success, the Clippers have their sights set on bringing the franchise its long-awaited first NBA championship. After decades of struggles, the team's transformation into a model organisation has them poised to potentially make history in the coming years.
