Ballmer won't rule out changing Clippers' name, logo

With stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the fold - and with a move to a new arena in Inglewood planned for 2024 - the Los Angeles Clippers could be preparing for a full rebrand intended to wipe out a lifetime of disappointing results.

Along with leaving Staples Center, the franchise may even be open to changing its logo, colors, and nickname.

"We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to really step our identity up another level," owner Steve Ballmer said when asked about those potentially significant changes, according to The Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin. "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."

The Clippers are well-positioned to reverse their years of misfortune after acquiring George from the Oklahoma City Thunder and signing Leonard away from the defending champion Toronto Raptors. With the superstar duo returning to play in their home state, the team is one of the oddsmakers' favorites to claim the NBA title in 2019-20.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles has long been considered a Lakers town. The Lakers and Clippers have shared Staple Center since it opened in 1999, with the former winning five NBA championships in that time. Conversely, the Clippers largely struggled to make the playoffs until a more recent run of success that's seen them qualify in seven of the past eight years.