Clippers: Jerry West says Clippers have a different kind of fanbase than the Lakers

Clippers executive Jerry West pointed out some differences between the fanbases of his team and the Lakers in a recent interview.

The Los Angeles Clippers have been the basketball team to beat in Los Angeles for some time, and yet their in-city rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, continue to get most of the buzz. Despite this, however, many on the Clippers believe that the fanbases for both teams couldn’t be any more different.

Speaking to The Athletic, Jerry West, an executive board member for the Clippers, spoke about the differing fanbases, having the first-hand experience at how both act.“We have a different kind of fanbase than the Lakers do, which is good,” he continued. “I think (the competition) is really good for the city, and I think it’s good for the respective franchises. We certainly don’t have the history (like the Lakers) and it’s not an iconic brand at this point in time,” he said.

Despite the lack of history, West believes that the team is in a great place to succeed, including doing something big this summer when it comes to free agency. “But I think with Steve’s plan, and Lawrence leading the charge, I think we’re well positioned to do something this summer. It’s my hope that we’re able to maybe acquire one of those (free agent) players, if somebody is going to move. No one knows that, ok? We don’t have contact with people. We don’t.”

While the Clippers have surprised the NBA world by making it into the playoffs this season, they surprised even more people by somehow stunning the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs, coming back from a 31-point deficit to win Game 2 and tie the opening series.

Of course, while the Warriors may still win the series, the Clippers have shown the resiliency and fight that superstars love to see. Couple that with the attractive destination of Los Angeles, and the Clippers could be on their way up.