The Los Angeles Clippers have undergone a dramatic transformation from being one of the NBA’s most struggling franchises to becoming a legitimate championship contender. Originally founded as the Buffalo Braves in 1970, the team relocated to San Diego in 1978 and was renamed the Clippers. In 1984, the franchise moved to Los Angeles but struggled for decades to find sustained success.
For much of their history, the Clippers were overshadowed by the Los Angeles Lakers, often finishing at the bottom of the standings. Poor management and bad luck with injuries kept the team from becoming a serious contender. Despite having talented players like Danny Manning, Elton Brand, and Lamar Odom, the Clippers remained a team known more for dysfunction than success.
The franchise’s fortunes began to change in the early 2010s with the arrival of Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Jordan. This era, known as “Lob City,” brought excitement to Los Angeles with high-flying dunks and playoff appearances. However, despite their regular-season success, the team was unable to advance past the second round of the playoffs.
In 2019, the Clippers made their biggest move yet by signing Kawhi Leonard and trading for Paul George, instantly making them championship contenders. In 2021, the team reached its first Western Conference Finals, marking a historic milestone for the franchise. Injuries have slowed their progress, but they remain one of the most competitive teams in the NBA.
With a strong roster, a committed ownership led by Steve Ballmer, and a new arena set to open in 2024, the Clippers are poised for long-term success. They continue to push for their first NBA championship, aiming to establish themselves as one of the league’s elite franchises.