Los Angeles Clippers History
The Clippers joined the NBA in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves, an expansion team located in Buffalo, N.Y. The franchise selected future star forward Bob McAdoo in 1972 with the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft. He was named NBA MVP in the 1974–75 season, and remains the only player in the history of the Clippers franchise to win that honor.
The franchise, led by new owner Irv Levin, moved to San Diego in 1978 and was renamed as the Clippers. The franchise's stay in San Diego didn't last long. Levin sold the team to Donald Sterling in 1981, and he moved the franchise 120 miles north to Los Angeles.
The Clippers began their best era of success in 2010, when they drafted Blake Griffin with the No. 1 overall pick. One season later they acquired Chris Paul in a trade with the New Orleans Hornets, and "Lob City" was born. They advanced to the second round of the playoffs that same season, recording their second playoff series win in 36 years. The Clippers followed that by setting a new franchise record with 56 wins in the 2012–13 season, which began a streak of five consecutive seasons with 50 or more wins and a playoff berth.
During the 2022–23 season, the Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, again returned to the playoffs. They fell to the Suns in the first round.
Los Angeles Clippers Team Info
Conference: Western
Division: Pacific
Year Founded: 1970
Team Colors: Red, Royal Blue, Black, Silver, White
Team Rivals: Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena
The Clippers have played at Crypto.com Arena, which was previously known as Staples Center, since it opened in 1999. Crypto.com is located in the heart of one of Los Angeles' most popular areas, so Clippers fans can enjoy a full experience on game night, with plenty of options for restaurants, bars and entertainment. They share the arena with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Crypto.com Arena is the only arena to be shared by two NBA teams, as the Lakers also call it home.