Los Angeles Clippers Get Offseason Makeover
The Los Angeles Clippers have been awfully busy modifying their roster this holiday season in an effort to build a winning team around reigning Rookie of the Year, Blake Griffin. Thanks to some very hard work and crafty maneuvering by general manager Neil Olshey, the Clippers have accomplished just that.
Although the Clippers’ acquisition of standout point guard Chris Paul was undoubtedly the move of the year, Olshey made four additional offseason moves that have effectively transformed the Clippers from an exciting, but harmless team into a smarter, more experienced squad – one that will be a team to be reckoned with come playoff time. Read more >>
NBA Lockout Cripples Local Businesses
Every year, in early October, local businesses in Downtown Los Angeles expect the Clippers and Lakers to begin attracting large crowds to the area, but this year a protracted NBA Lockout kept customers away.
Bryan Lytle, general manager of the Palm Restaurant, which is located a block away from the Staples Center on South Flower Street, was one of many restaurant managers and employees who dispelled the myth that the NBA lockout merely hurt the players, team owners and fans.
“The financial aspect of it runs far deeper than just the players and the owners,” said Lytle. “(There is) the impact on the overall cities and you know we have two NBA teams, so you can say double the impact.”
Abe Kim, assistant manager at the Downtown LA Hooters, agreed.
“I know Downtown LA is more of a business-oriented city, so whatever is going on in the city affects businesses all over,” said Kim.
“With the lockout, I know a few restaurants I used to go to in Downtown LA are hurting, because they bank on those revenues coming from the fans and the people going to these games to generate those revenues in sales.”
By late October, various restaurants located in the LA Live entertainment complex that is adjacent to the Staples Center were already feeling the effects of significantly less foot traffic. Read more >>