For the past 25 years, the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers have shared a home in downtown Los Angeles, known as the Staples Center but renamed Crypto.com Arena. While the Lakers have always been viewed by the public as the anchor tenant, the Clippers have had moments to shine during that 25-year span, when they were near the top of the standings and Jeanie Buss’ Lakers had down years.
But the days of co-living are over in Los Angeles, as the Clippers are officially moving into a new home — the Intuit Dome — across from the Forum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The project was almost entirely funded by Clippers governor Steve Ballmer, who wanted the Clippers to have their own home away from the Lakers’ fame and success.
Buss briefly spoke about the years the Lakers and Clippers shared an arena, and in an attempt to not badmouth the Clippers, focused more on the advantage both teams enjoyed during their 25 years together, via Petros and money on AM 570:
“We moved into this building first, then the Clippers moved in and now they moved out. It’s like nothing has really changed for us. I didn’t realize how long it would take for the rest of the league to realize that we have more home games because we don’t have to travel.”
Buss could have easily used this moment to make a joke at the Clippers’ expense, and fans would have certainly enjoyed it. However, his main point is that the league allowed the Lakers and Clippers to have, in essence, extra home games.
The Lakers and Clippers would meet four times per season, with two designated as Lakers home games and two as Clippers home games.
The Lakers had the added advantage of winning the battle of the fans, with the possible exception of a few seasons when the two teams were polar opposites in the standings. Now, at least both teams will have to sit in a less familiar locker room and travel — even a short distance — to a new venue.
Jeanie Buss Talks Hiring JJ Redick
After the Lakers decided to part ways with head coach Darvin Ham, they made an extraordinary hire to replace him with JJ Redick, who has never coached at any level other than his children’s youth games.
It’s a big risk for a team looking to win titles early on while LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still playing at a high level. Despite his lack of coaching experience, Redick is nonetheless known for having a very high basketball IQ, as he demonstrated during his time in the media.
Jeanie Buss first spoke about Redick’s hiring and why she was already impressed with him and his staff.
Do you have subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive event coverage, join live broadcasts and much more!
