Former Lakers guard Nick Young recently took a lighthearted jab at the Clippers as they move into their new home, the Intuit Dome, ahead of the 2024-25 season. Young posted on social media, humorously questioning whether there are enough Clippers fans to fill the new 18,000-seat arena. He wrote, “Is there real Clippers fans in LA or is that new arena too big for they fan base?” The comment reflects the longstanding perception of the Clippers as being in the shadow of the Lakers in Los Angeles, where the Lakers’ history and popularity have traditionally dominated the city’s basketball culture【6†source】【7†source】.
Despite the joke, the facts suggest otherwise. Last season, the Clippers averaged an attendance of 18,945 per game, ranking 10th in the NBA, even outdrawing the Lakers, who were 11th with 18,903. These numbers indicate that the Clippers have a strong enough fanbase to fill the Intuit Dome, which has a slightly smaller maximum capacity than their previous home, the Crypto.com Arena. The Clippers’ move to their own arena represents a significant step toward establishing their own identity, separate from the Lakers【7†source】.
The 2024-25 season may help the Clippers further distance themselves from the Lakers’ shadow. For years, the Clippers have been seen as the “B team” in Los Angeles, a sentiment even echoed by former Clippers star Paul George, who remarked that he often heard fans say he “should’ve been a Laker” during his time in the city【6†source】【7†source】. However, the opening of the Intuit Dome signals a new chapter for the Clippers as they continue to build their own legacy.
