The LA Clippers are looking at sites for a new arena, according to Kevin Arnovitz and Marc Stein of ESPN. They are monitoring different locations in Los Angeles for a home of their own.
The Clippers currently share Staples Center with the Lakers. Their lease of the arena runs through 2024.
Rightly or wrongly, the Clippers have always played under the shadow of the Lakers. Even with their success in recent years coinciding with the Lakers’ dismantling and rebuild, Staples Center has remained an iconic Lakers venue.
Moving the team to a new location could make the Clippers more independent of the more glamorous franchise. It is reportedly something the team has looked at since Steve Ballmer bought it.
Steve Ballmer hasn't been shy about expressing his displeasure with the Staples Center setup and lease with friends since buying the team.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 27, 2016
Additionally, having an independent home likely makes scheduling conflicts less common. Without having to plan for another team’s games, both LAL and LAC could find themselves with fewer back-to-backs and long road trips.
Finally, LAC will be able to create a state-of-the-art home, which is something that tech guru Steve Ballmer is passionate about:
A new Clippers arena would likely also include a training facility and office space. Ballmer doesn't own Clippers facility in Playa Vista.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 27, 2016
Upcoming LAC arena story: Motivations (1) Real Estate play (2) Rev. streams (suites, club seats) (3) Control destiny. (4) Cool tech features
— Kevin Arnovitz (@kevinarnovitz) July 27, 2016
