Los Angeles Clippers Team History

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Los Angeles Clippers history began in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves. Relocating to Los Angeles in 1984, the team shaped Los Angeles Clippers basketball. From Lob City to playoff runs, explore the milestones, stars like Blake Griffin, and moments that define this NBA franchise’s evolving legacy in Los Angeles Clippers history.Los Angeles Clippers - LA Clippers LogoClippers Primary LogoClippers Alternate LogoClippers Wordmark LogoClippers Team Merch

Established 1970

City Buffalo – San Diego – Los Angeles

League History 1970 – Present / National Basketball Association

Team History 1984 – Present / Los Angeles Clippers 1978 – 1984 / San Diego Clippers 1970 – 1978 / Buffalo Braves

Nickname Clippers – The Los Angeles Clippers have one of the unique nicknames in all professional sports. But how did they come to be known as "Clippers"? The answer lies in the team's roots, which date back to 1970 when it was founded as part of a merger between two other teams – the Buffalo Braves and the San Diego Rockets.

Los Angeles Clippers Origin

At that time, there were two primary sources for ships carrying goods across oceans: steamboats and clipper ships. Clippers were renowned for their speed and agility on open waters, so when former owner Donald Sterling decided on a nickname for his newly formed NBA franchise, he chose “Clippers” because it represented power and grace—two qualities he wanted his team to embody on the court.

Over time, this moniker has become synonymous with success; years later, the LA Clippers remains one of basketball’s premier franchises year after year! From Hall-of-Famers like Blake Griffin & DeAndre Jordan leading them into battle each night at Staples Center or legendary coaches like Doc Rivers guiding them from the sidelines—the Los Angeles Clippers is an organization that stands proud amongst its peers throughout league history!

Championship NBA Championships 0

Arena 1999 – Present / Staples Center 1984 – 1999 / Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena

*San Diego* 1978 – 1984 / San Diego Sports Arena

*Buffalo* 1970 – 1978 / Buffalo Memorial Auditorium

Owner 2014 – Present / Steve Balmer 1981 – 2014 / Donald Sterling 1978 – 1981 / Irv Levin 1976 – 1978 / John Y. Brown, Jr. 1970 – 1976 / Paul Snyder

  • 1984
  • 1999
  • 2011
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • Sterling Signing of Manning

    Donald Sterling and Move to LA

    The 1981 – 1982 season brought changes to the franchise as Irv Levin sold the team to Los Angeles-area real estate developer and attorney Donald Sterling for US$12.5 million. The Clippers’ poor play in the final years in San Diego resulted in averaging only 4,500 fans a game. Sterling lobbied the NBA to relocate the team to his native Los ... Read More See Full Story
  • Staples Center

    Move to Staples Center

    From 1994 to 1998, the Clippers played several games at Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim, sharing the venue with the NHL’s Mighty Ducks and the Splash indoor soccer team. In 1999, the Clippers joined the Lakers and Los Angeles Kings in the new Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles. In sharing the building with other tenants, such as the highly popular ... Read More See Full Story
  • Chris Paul - Clippers

    Chris Paul a Clipper

    On December 14, 2011, they traded Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Minnesota’s 2012 first-round pick acquired in 2005 for New Orleans Hornets’ four-time all-star Chris Paul. Paul had previously almost been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, but NBA commissioner David Stern had vetoed the trade. Paul and Griffin were selected as starters for the Western Conference team ... Read More See Full Story
  • Donald Sterling - Clippers

    Fall of Donald Sterling

    On April 29, 2014, the NBA issued Sterling a lifetime ban from the organization after a league investigation into the recording confirmed that he was the one conversing with Stiviano. The league also issued a $2.5 million fine against Sterling, the highest allowable by the NBA, and barred him from attending games or practices involving any NBA team; being present ... Read More See Full Story
  • Steve Ballmer - Los Angeles Clippers

    Steve Ballmer $2 Billion Purchase

    On May 27, 2014, Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, agreed to purchase the team for $2 billion. To buy the team, Ballmer reportedly beat out other candidates including Oprah Winfrey, Floyd Mayweather, Magic Johnson, and a group of crowdfunders. Although Ballmer lives in the Seattle area and had been part of an ownership group that had unsuccessfully attempted to ... Read More See Full Story

Who is the greatest Los Angeles Clippers?

  • Benoit Benjamin*
  • Corey Maggette*
  • Paul George*
  • Kawhii Leonard*
  • Blake Griffin
  • Lamar Odom*
  • Ron Harper
  • Michael Olowokandi*
  • Chris Paul
  • Tom Garrick*
  • Terrance Mann*
  • Lou Williams*
  • Danny Manning
  • DeAndre Jordan
  • Elton Brand
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player. * verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

Los Angeles Clippers History

Los Angeles Clippers history traces back to 1970, when the franchise debuted as the Buffalo Braves in the NBA. Originally based in Buffalo, New York, the team relocated to San Diego in 1978, becoming the San Diego Clippers. In 1984, the franchise moved to Los Angeles, cementing its place in Los Angeles Clippers basketball. Early years in Buffalo featured stars like Bob McAdoo, who won the 1975 NBA MVP award, laying a foundation for Los Angeles Clippers history despite early playoff struggles. In the 1980s, Los Angeles Clippers history faced challenges in San Diego and Los Angeles. The team struggled with inconsistent performance and limited playoff appearances. However, the 1990s brought flashes of potential with players like Danny Manning. Los Angeles Clippers basketball began gaining traction, though championship contention remained elusive. The franchise’s move to the Staples Center in 1999 marked a new era, boosting visibility in Los Angeles Clippers history and setting the stage for future success. The 2010s transformed Los Angeles Clippers history with the “Lob City” era. Led by Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan, the team became a highlight machine. Under coach Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers basketball thrilled fans with high-flying dunks and fast-paced play. The team reached the playoffs seven straight years (2012–2017), including two Western Conference Semifinals appearances (2012, 2014). Despite their talent, they couldn’t advance past the semifinals, a recurring challenge in Los Angeles Clippers history. For a deeper dive, visit the team’s Wikipedia page. In recent years, Los Angeles Clippers history has seen renewed ambition under owner Steve Ballmer. The addition of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in 2019 elevated the team’s championship aspirations. They reached the Western Conference Finals in 2021, the deepest playoff run in Los Angeles Clippers history, though they fell to the Phoenix Suns. Los Angeles Clippers basketball continues to evolve, with a focus on building around young talent and veteran leadership.

Los Angeles Clippers Achievements

The Los Angeles Clippers’ achievements include seven consecutive playoff appearances (2012–2017) and a Western Conference Finals appearance (2021). They’ve also secured two division titles (2013, 2014), highlighting their rise in Los Angeles Clippers basketball. Stars like Griffin, Paul, Leonard, and George have defined the franchise’s competitive eras. Today, Los Angeles Clippers history is poised for growth. With a state-of-the-art arena, the Intuit Dome, opened in 2024, and a talented roster, the team aims for its first NBA championship. Los Angeles Clippers basketball remains a source of excitement for fans, with Los Angeles Clippers history reflecting resilience and a drive for future glory.

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Retired Number

*Blue is this team’s history

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