Inglewood will soon have its own arena for the LA Clippers, without the constant taunting of the 17 Lakers championship banners hanging from Staples Center's rafters. Even with all the resources and money that Steve Ballmer has poured into the franchise, it won't be enough for the Los Angeles area. However, Ballmer disagrees.
Advertisement
Ballmer claims Inglewood is now the epicenter for sports. The Clippers are moving out of Staples Center to Inglewood, where they will be joining the Rams and Chargers.
Ballmer spent a lot of money on this ceremony for his Intuit Dome. The event featured a drummerline and live music performances. All of these elements reflect Ballmer's personality. Kawhi Leonard's and Paul George's reactions didnt reflect the same personality. However, most fans can accept a lackluster enthusiasm from Leonard. He was still moving and grooving in the mind. Leonard doesn't have a program to express emotion or spirit.
The building was rocking out with everyone except Leonard and George. Ballmer can throw big parties like this as many times as he wants, but it won't change the fact the Clippers will continue being a little brother to the Lakers here in Southern California. It doesn't change the fact that you are only 25 minutes from Los Angeles.
Advertisement
Ballmer is not wrong to want his own arena. I have never liked the idea of two teams playing in the same sport sharing a venue. In terms of fan base, one team is always going to win. Southern California's fan base is small in many ways. I would say that 9/10 LA residents identify themselves as Lakers fans. Growing up in California, I knew two Clippers fans. It is rare to find someone who doesn't root for the best team in LA. This has been the Lakers tradition.
Ballmer and his Clippers will have to work hard at this, no matter if they are in Inglewood or downtown Los Angeles. Although they have their stars for the next few years, they will need to keep improving. It was a great start, with the Clippers making it to the Conference Finals for the first time last season. They can't go backward. Southern California has too many entertainment options for teams not to have fun. When the Lakers are having a down year, people in the area come up with other things to do. The Clippers are already 17 champions behind their city's other franchise. They cannot afford to be in a prolonged slump once they move to Intuit Dome. They won't be able to keep their few loyal fans around for the rebuild.
Advertisement
The Clippers' live performance was so inspiring, Leonard's face really reflects what they are up against. Ballmer is willing to spend a lot of money on this venture and make use of all his resources. But, it doesn't matter. The Lakers and their fans watched the spectacle and laughed with delight.
Advertisement
While the Clippers may win the next three championships, they will still need to gain fans that are not emotionally connected to the Lakers. The Clippers have the advantage of Ballmer being fully invested and committed to the team for the long-term. As we know, he is willing to field a team that is competitive, but it will take more than just being competitive to catch the Lakers in popular appeal.
