With its high-profile offseason signings of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Los Angeles Clippers is ready to move on out of the shadow of the Los Angeles Lakers, especially now with LeBron James and Anthony Davis at its helm. Recently, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has highlighted that he is open into making drastic changes into the team.
Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, Ballmer said that he is open into changing not only the team's name but also its logo and official colors. Ballmer has also added that the organization is now in the early process of building a new arena for the team. Located in Inglewood, the privately funded area will open its doors in 2020. It is said that the arena will be made of a glass structure, and it is expected to boost economic activities within the area once it is open.
Speaking with Los Angeles Times, Ballmer said, "We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to really step our identity up another level. I don't anticipate making a change, but we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that is the kind of thing you somehow do in consultation with your fans."
Leonard made a shocking decision to sign with the Clippers during the offseason. It came as a shock for many fans, especially if you consider the fact that he just won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, right after being traded from the San Antonio Spurs. Nevertheless, some sports analysts said that they have already seen this coming, as Leonard has, on many occasions, iterated his intention to play in either of the Los Angeles teams.
Joining Leonard is Paul George, who is still chasing his first championship ring. Many analysts have noted that with this incredible duo that is indispensable on both ends of the floor, along with a variety of supporting casts, the Clippers is in a good position to win next season's title. Nevertheless, many analysts have also noted that Leonard has a much higher probability of winning the title if only he had joined the Lakers.
The NBA offseason has had its fair share of shocking trades and signings. This was catapulted by the Lakers' being able to snag Anthony Davis out of the New Orleans Pelicans. Other shocking signings include Kevin Durant leaving the Golden State Warriors to join the Brooklyn Nets. Kyrie Irving also left the Boston Celtics to join Durant in the Nets. Oklahoma City star Russel Westbrook will now be reunited with his former teammate James Harden in Houston.
