1998-99

A rocky start to the lockout-shortened season was too much for the Los Angeles Clippers to overcome, despite the play of second-year forward Maurice Taylor. Taylor averaged 16.8 points in 32.7 minutes per game and shot 46.1 percent from the field, leading the team in all three categories. Los Angeles also added three notable newcomers: coach Chris Ford, who brought experience from his head-coaching stints with Boston and Milwaukee; center Michael Olowokandi, the top overall pick in the draft; and rookie swingman Tyrone Nesby. three categories. Olowokandi averaged 8.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.22 blocks in 28.4 minutes per game and was named to the All-Rookie Second Team. Nesby, who went undrafted out of UNLV, earned a spot on the Clippers' roster and contributed 10.1 points and 1.54 steals per game. three categories. A 107-105 loss to Seattle on May 5 marked the Clippers' final regular-season game at the L.A. Sports Arena, their home since 1984. In 1999-2000 the team would move into the Staples Center, a brand-new arena the Clippers would share with the Los Angeles Lakers.