The Clippers were certainly not always the team to beat in Los Angeles. From 1997 to 2010, the Clippers made the playoffs just once, in 2005, when they fell in the second round to the Suns. In the same fourteen-season span, the Lakers made the playoffs thirteen times, reached the finals seven times, and claimed five championship titles. But then, the tide began to turn.
Fast-forward to last season, when the Clippers posted the best record in franchise history and the Lakers posted the worst. The 2-billion dollar purchase of the team by Steve Ballmer in August has put an end to the Donald Sterling saga, and Doc Rivers has agreed to a coach through the 2018 season. There is a new era in Los Angeles, and the Clippers are poised to build a dynasty of their own. Below is a breakdown of the five most-expensive Clippers home games of the upcoming season, with ticket data provided by Barrystickets.com.
10/30 Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers: Average Price: $263 | Get-in Price: $58
The fifth-most expensive game on the Clippers schedule will be when the Thunder come to town. Oklahoma City went 59-23 last season before falling to the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder will feature superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who combined for an astounding 53.8 points per game in 2013. The early-season meeting between the two high-powered offenses should be a thriller.
12/25 Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers: Average Price: $282 | Get-in Price: $61
The Christmas Day clash with Golden State will be the fourth-most expensive game of the season. Last season, the Warriors posted a 51-31 record and lost to the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. But this time, Golden State will be led by rookie head coach Steve Kerr as well as sharpshooters Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The Warriors will certainly be looking to avenge the playoff loss, making this December meeting a must-see matchup.
1/7 Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers: Average Price: $293 | Get-in Price: $63
It should come as little surprise that the third-most expensive game of the season will be when the cross-town rival Lakers visit in January. Following an embarrassing 27-55 performance last season, the Lakers hope that Kobe Bryant will return to superstar form after a knee injury limited the 36-year-old to just six games in 2013. The Battle of L.A. is always exciting, and this game should be no different.
1/16 Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Clippers: Average Price: $393 | Get-in Price: $112
When LeBron James and the Cavaliers visit Los Angeles, it will be the most expensive game on the Clippers schedule, and by a large margin. Following the arrival of The King as well as big-man sharpshooter Kevin Love, Cleveland is the early favorite to win the first NBA championship in franchise history. Fans who attend the January battle will be in for a treat, as the game features some of the best players in the league.
4/7 Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers: Average Price: $295 | Get-in Price: $63
The second-most expensive game of the season will, once again, feature that other Los Angeles team. The Clippers have won seven of the past eight meetings with the Lakers, and the Lakers are out for revenge. The April matchup looks to be a hard-fought and contentious game as the Clippers look to continue their string of dominance.
