- Ballmer aims to shed Clippers’ “little brother” tag to Lakers
- Intuit Dome, opening in 2024, marks a new beginning for Clippers
- Ballmer considers rebranding to emphasize Inglewood’s identity
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is on a mission to redefine the identity of his team and step out of the shadow of the city’s more renowned NBA franchise, the Los Angeles Lakers. Speaking on Paul George’s Podcast P show, Ballmer expressed his ambition for the Clippers to break away from their “little brother” tag, a notion that has persisted since their move from San Diego to Los Angeles in 1984.
Ballmer stated, “We’re never gonna be all we can be unless we’re in nobody’s shadow,” articulating his desire for the Clippers to forge a distinct and successful path, separate from the Lakers. His vision is for the Clippers to be recognized as a “hot team” at a “hot place,” stepping away from the old perception of the team.
A substantial step in this direction is the establishment of a new home for the Clippers, the Intuit Dome, situated in Inglewood, California. Set to open in 2024, this arena promises to offer the Clippers a fresh start, carving out their own legacy away from the omnipresent influence of the Lakers, with whom they have shared the Crypto.com Arena since 1999.
Ballmer’s determination to break free from the Lakers’ looming presence also extends to potential rebranding possibilities. While the team intends to retain the LA Clippers brand, recognizing its established reputation, there has been contemplation of embracing the Inglewood identity more prominently. However, firm plans on this front remain unspecified.
This separation from the Lakers is seen as a golden opportunity for the Clippers to create their own stronghold and fan base, a chance to showcase their prowess without being constantly overshadowed by the Lakers’ championship banners hanging in a shared arena.
How The Lakers And Clippers Share The Same Arena?
Since 1999, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers have shared the same home ground, initially known as the Staples Center and currently named the Crypto.com Arena. This arrangement has manifested a unique dynamic in the NBA, where two teams from the same city vie for dominance not just in the league, but in the same shared space. While this has fostered an intense city rivalry, it has invariably placed the Clippers in the Lakers’ shadow, owing to the latter’s more illustrious history and a more significant fan base that often dominates the crowd, even during Clippers’ home games.
The shared arena has also meant that the Clippers have had to literally cover up Lakers’ championship banners during their home games, a gesture symbolic of their struggle to carve out a distinct identity and legacy in Los Angeles. The fact that they have played in the same venue has often relegated the Clippers to a “little brother” role, living in the mighty shadow of the Lakers, who have enjoyed long-term success and a more substantial fan following.
However, the tide is set to change, with Clippers’ owner Steve Ballmer initiating the move to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, slated to open in 2024. This move symbolizes the Clippers’ ambitions to step out of the Lakers’ shadow, fostering their own legacy, and possibly igniting a more balanced and fierce rivalry in the city of Los Angeles.
The Clippers Will Always Be In The Lakers Shadow
For decades, the Los Angeles Clippers have wrestled with the formidable shadow cast by the legendary Los Angeles Lakers. Despite sharing the same home ground since 1999, the Clippers have often been considered the ‘little brother,’ continually striving to forge a unique identity separate from the Lakers’ staggering legacy. The Lakers’ illustrious history, marked by numerous championships and a roster graced by some of the greatest players in NBA history, has firmly etched them as the golden standard in Los Angeles — a stature that has inevitably overshadowed the Clippers’ efforts and achievements.
The Clippers’ steps toward individuality, including moving to a new arena — the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, scheduled to open in 2024, are significant strides. However, the specter of the Lakers’ long-term success hangs heavy, creating an inescapable comparison that subdues the Clippers’ current achievements.
For the Clippers to genuinely step out of the Lakers’ shadow, they will need to build a rich legacy founded on sustained success, community engagement, and perhaps most critically, championship victories. Crafting a unique and inspiring narrative that resonates with fans beyond just their on-court performances could be pivotal.
A rebranding, potentially even incorporating ‘Inglewood’ into their name to emphasize their new beginning and deep-rooted connection to their new home, might be a step in the right direction. By nurturing home-grown talents and fostering a culture of excellence and unity, the Clippers can hope to emerge from the Lakers’ shadow, forging a legacy that stands tall and resonant on its own merit.
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