The Clippers are staying in Los Angeles, at least for now.
Unable to reach an agreement to move to Anaheim, the NBA team said Thursday it will stay at the Los Angeles Sports Arena for at least another year."We are grateful and extremely flattered that such interest was accorded our organization," Clippers executive vice president Andy Roeser said in a statement. "However, we have decided that in the best interest of the franchise, the Clippers intend to continue playing at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.
"We will continue to pursue new arena options in metropolitan Los Angeles.
Clippers officials negotiated with Ogden Services to shift the NBA team some 30 miles down the freeway, to the Anaheim Arena. But the sides could not come to terms.
Ogden operates the Anaheim Arena.
"Ogden and the L.A. Clippers worked diligently to bring the NBA franchise to Anaheim on a full-time basis," Brad Mayne, general manager of the Anaheim Arena, said in a statement.
"Unfortunately, we were unable to come to an agreement which could be taken to the city of Anaheim and the National Basketball Association for approval."
The Clippers still will play one exhibition game and six regular-season games in Anaheim in 1996-97. They have played a total of 15 regular-season games there already.
Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan called the decision "terrific news" for his city.