[ad_1]
Since purchasing the LA Clippers franchise in 2014, Steve Ballmer has been looking for a new arena. That vision has now become a reality with the Inuit Dome set to debut in 2024. While the Clippers will finally part ways with Staples Center, the building they have shared with the Lakers for more than two decades, this move does not was not unanimous. Support.
While Ballmer pledged a donation of $ 100 million to the town of Inglewood, of which $ 80 million would go to affordable housing, some protesters are concerned about the displacement. These are valid concerns, and both Ballmer and the Clippers should keep their promise to maintain affordable housing in Inglewood despite the arrival of their luxury arena.
Some objections, such as the concerns surrounding displacement, are absolutely valid; However, Ballmer believes some Laker fans may feel threatened by the Clippers’ rise. In a recent column from the LA Times, Ballmer provided several quotes that were apparently intended for Laker fans.
The Clippers have been a historically appalling franchise, but that has changed since Ballmer took over. In the 44 years between their inception in Buffalo and Donald Sterling’s last day as owner, the LA Clippers franchise has only enjoyed 9 winning seasons and made the playoffs just 10 times. In the seven seasons under Steve Ballmer, the Clippers have made the playoffs six times and finished over 0.500 each season.
Ballmer acknowledges this and says, “We’re not the damn old town franchise.” It used to be, but Ballmer doesn’t think it always is. Are Laker fans threatened by this? Ballmer thinks it’s possible. To those fans, Ballmer said, “I was surprised by the animosity of the Lakers fans, and my message was sort of, why, don’t you trust your guys enough?
Whether Ballmer was incorrect, partially correct or fully correct, he continued to excel in his quest to make the Clippers one of the premier franchises in the league.
[ad_2]
Source link