When it comes to professional sports in Los Angeles, the Lakers are undeniably one of the biggest brands not just locally, but globally. Even LA Clippers fans, fiercely loyal to their team, can acknowledge this fact. 

Yet, there is a persistent misconception about the Clippers’ fanbase that often resurfaces—namely, that their support pales in comparison to the Lakers, or worse, that Clippers fans barely exist.

But anyone who lives in LA, especially in the heart of the 213 area code, knows how far from the truth that statement really is. The Clippers, even before their recent run of success, have built a substantial and passionate following. Despite sharing a city with a historic powerhouse like the Lakers, the Clippers’ fanbase is far from invisible and continues to grow in size and intensity.

One metric that highlights this is the team’s strong social media presence. In 2023, the Clippers ranked 13th among NBA teams in terms of social media followers, which is no small feat considering the competition. Social media may not fully capture the depth of fandom, but it’s a clear indicator of widespread interest and support. 

Additionally, the Clippers’ new state-of-the-art arena, Intuit Dome, being built in Inglewood, is further evidence of the team’s strong fanbase. The decision to move out of the shared Staples Center with the Lakers was motivated in part by the need to give their fans a dedicated space, free from the shadow of their cross-town rivals.

And yet, despite all of this growth, some people still cling to tired narratives about the Clippers and their supporters. 

Former NBA champion and dual Los Angeles player Nick Young was the latest to fan those flames. On Sunday, Young took to social media, questioning the existence of Clippers fans in LA. “Is there real Clippers fans in LA or is that new arena too big for their fan base?” Young tweeted, throwing in enough grammar mistakes to warrant a second read.

Young’s criticism, though possibly an attempt to bait Clippers fans into a reaction, didn’t get much traction, garnering just 41 likes as of this writing. Beyond the poor engagement, his comment seems tone-deaf, especially considering his brief tenure with the Clippers during the 2011-12 season. For a player who once donned a Clippers jersey, his call-out feels strange, particularly when he had the support of the very fans he’s now questioning.

Moreover, Young’s jab is fundamentally flawed. The Clippers didn’t break ground on Intuit Dome, a massive, cutting-edge venue, on a whim. Owner Steve Ballmer and the Clippers organization recognized the depth and passion of their fanbase and built the arena to create a space where that community could continue to flourish. 

Intuit Dome represents a bold step for the Clippers, offering a unique home where their fans can show their colors without having to share a stage with the Lakers. It’s a long-term investment in the team’s future and a statement about their growing influence in the LA sports scene.

For years, Clippers fans have lived in the shadow of the Lakers’ storied legacy, but that doesn’t diminish their loyalty. This fanbase has grown organically, fueled by a generation of fans who grew up watching the likes of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and now, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. 

The Clippers may not have the championship pedigree of their cross-town rivals, but they’ve carved out their own identity, and the construction of Intuit Dome is a reflection of their increasing independence and prominence.

Nick Young’s comments also overlook the diversity of LA sports culture. Los Angeles is a sprawling city with a deep sports history, and its fanbases are not as monolithic as outsiders might think. Lakers and Clippers fans coexist in the same city, and while the Lakers may have the larger share, Clippers supporters are passionate and dedicated, proving that there’s plenty of room for both teams in LA.

Ultimately, Nick Young’s remarks do little to affect the excitement surrounding the Clippers’ future. The construction of Intuit Dome signals a new era for the franchise, and its opening will give the Clippers a home of their own—a place where their fans can gather and be recognized for their devotion to the team. 

As the Clippers continue to build their brand and establish their own identity in Los Angeles, the narrative that they lack a real fanbase will finally begin to fade. The success of the team, both on and off the court, proves that they’re here to stay, with a fanbase ready to fill the seats of their new arena and support them every step of the way.