Steve Ballmer is serving a one-year suspension that keeps him away from the LA Clippers, but the team opened its season with a 121-96 win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night in front of 17,927 fans at Intuit Dome.
The Clippers stayed together in their billionaire owner’s absence. Coach Tyronn Lue dedicated the victory to Ballmer when he opened his postgame comments.
“First off, that win was for Mr. Ballmer,” Lue said. “Just want to say thank you for everything, and we’re still fighting for him.”
Penalties and Suspension
The NBA banned Ballmer from all league and team activities in September after it found the Clippers guilty of violating salary cap circumvention rules involving Kawhi Leonard, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors last month. The league said Ballmer knowingly sought to help Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities.
Ballmer’s ban means no phone calls, no texts and no hobnobbing with the team. He apologized for the scandal last month and said the Clippers have already paid their $30 million fine. The punishment also included the loss of five consecutive first-round draft picks from 2029 through 2033 and a six-month suspension for president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank.
Players Feel His Absence
Darius Garland, who led the Clippers with 30 points, said Ballmer was present in spirit.
“He was definitely here in spirit,” Garland said. “Somebody was at his seats, and we felt the energy. It wasn’t his energy, but we felt his energy.”
Lue said it was strange not to see Ballmer’s familiar bald head in his courtside seat near the team bench. Ballmer usually met with Lue shortly before tipoff of every home game. This time, John Gibson, who is filling Ballmer’s roles of CEO and governor on an interim basis, talked with the coach.
Veteran center Brook Lopez missed Ballmer’s over-the-top zeal, which included fist-pumping, yelling and a flushed red face.
“He brings such a great energy, such a great enthusiasm to each and every home game,” Lopez said. “He’s always there sitting in his seat, rallying us, getting behind us, getting on the refs. I love that, obviously.”
Arena and Future
As part of its apology to fans, the Clippers offered free parking at their arena for the season opener. Ballmer privately financed the $2 billion project, which opened in 2024 and hosted the All-Star Game in February.
“It’s the house he built, so we try to protect that as much as we can,” Garland said.
Lue said the team still honors its owner. “We keep him in our hearts,” Lue said. “He provided a great living for everyone in this arena. One of the best men that I know.”
“But there’s nobody like Mr. Ballmer, and we miss him,” Lue said. “We’ve got to keep it going for him.”