Introduction:
The Los Angeles Clippers, also known as the “Lob City” Clippers, have been one of the most exciting teams in the NBA over the past decade. With a roster full of talented players and an energetic style of play, the Clippers have quickly become one of the league’s top franchises. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the team’s history, including its glory years, top players, net worth, controversies, and scandals.
History:
The Clippers were founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves and moved to San Diego in 1978. In 1984, the team moved to Los Angeles and became the Clippers. The team struggled in its early years, failing to make the playoffs until 1992. The Clippers reached their first Western Conference semifinals in 2006, but it wasn’t until the arrival of Chris Paul in 2011 that the team truly took off.
Glory:
The Clippers’ “Lob City” era began in 2011, with the arrival of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. The trio led the team to five straight playoff appearances from 2012 to 2017, including two trips to the Western Conference semifinals. The team was known for its high-flying dunks and exciting style of play, earning the nickname “Lob City.” Although the Clippers failed to reach the NBA Finals during this era, they were one of the most exciting and entertaining teams in the league.
Top Players:
The Clippers have had a number of talented players throughout their history, but none have been more important than Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. Paul, a nine-time All-Star, led the Clippers to their most successful years as a franchise. Griffin, a five-time All-Star, was a dominant force in the paint and one of the most exciting dunkers in NBA history. Jordan, a three-time All-NBA selection, was a defensive stalwart and one of the best rebounders in the league.
Net Worth:
As of 2021, the Clippers are valued at $2.6 billion, making them the seventh-most valuable team in the NBA. The team is owned by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who purchased the team in 2014 for $2 billion, a record for an NBA franchise at the time. Ballmer has invested heavily in the team, including a new arena set to open in 2024.
Controversies:
Despite their on-court success, the Clippers have been plagued by controversies throughout their history. In 2014, team owner Donald Sterling was caught on tape making racist comments, leading to his forced sale of the team to Ballmer. In 2019, the team was fined $50,000 for tampering after comments made by then-team consultant Jerry West about then-Toronto Raptors player Kawhi Leonard.
Scandals:
In addition to controversies, the Clippers have also been involved in a number of scandals. In 2016, former player Josh Smith accused the team of using performance-enhancing drugs, a claim the team denied. In 2017, the team was fined $250,000 for violating league rules regarding the health and safety of players. The team was also accused of spying on opponents during games, an allegation it denied.
Conclusion:
The Clippers have had a long and tumultuous history, filled with both success and controversy. Despite these challenges, the team has managed to remain competitive and entertaining, thanks to the efforts of its talented players and dedicated ownership. With a new arena on the horizon and a talented roster led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers are poised to continue their success for years to come