The L.A. Clippers new City Edition jerseys appear to have leaked just days before their expected release.
Per Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, a player was seen wearing the jersey the other day at practice, which may be a sign that the team is about to announce them soon. The first day teams are able to play in them are November 9th.
The new L.A. #Clippers City Edition jerseys 🔥🔥 (Photo via @LAClippersFilm). I caught a glimpse of a player wearing this at practice the other day with @MirjamSwanson (I'm assuming for a photoshoot), so this is the jersey. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/7DYrVqjNyN
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 7, 2018
Several teams have unveiled their City Edition jerseys over the last couple of weeks. The new uniforms are an effort to add some more flavor to the games. After all, it can be pretty boring to see your favorite teams wear the same type of jerseys over and over again for 82 games.
But more importantly, the City Edition jerseys aim to pay tribute to the state or region represented by the team. For example, the Phoenix Suns are paying tribute to the Hispanic community in Arizona:
Comparison of Suns City Edition alternates. Last season on left, this season on right. pic.twitter.com/ISALtAzJv5
— Paul Lukas (@UniWatch) November 5, 2018
The Philadelphia 76ers, for their part, unveiled a Rocky-inspired design:
Our 2018/19 City jersey is here.
👀 https://t.co/zNcmqDTGP9 | #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/zTOM5RLWUy
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 30, 2018
As for the Clippers' jerseys, several fans have chimed in their reactions, noting that the City Edition uniforms have a retro and classic feel to it if confirmed to be the jerseys.
This black, white, and red jersey is a different design than what we're used to seeing from the Clippers over the last few years, and if you look at the bottom-right, there is the signature of Ralph Lawler's — the Clippers' longtime television and radio voice.
Lawler, who has commentated over 3,000 games for the Clippers, announced that this 40th season will be his final one as the team's voice. The City Edition jersey is a simple act of gratitude for the service that Lawler has given to the Clippers franchise.