The LA Clippers have long struggled to find their identity. Sharing a city with the iconic Lakers makes it even harder. With 17 championships, the Lakers undoubtedly cast an enormous shadow. But it’s not too late for the Clippers to make their mark. Big names like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard offer hope. A new arena could also be a game-changer. Yet, without a winning legacy, the team faces stern challenges. And just before their season opener, they get a harsh reality check.

Can Steve Ballmer’s $2 billion Intuit Dome get the audience to pay attention to James Harden & Co.? The simple answer is no. Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson strongly believe that the LA Clippers don’t have much to give to the City of Los Angeles. This means they aren’t in the league of the favorites and will remain the ‘second team’ if they can’t put their product on the court. The Nightcap show seems like the ultimate eye-opener for the wealthiest owner Ballmer, whose new arena might not be enough.

Shannon Sharpe hits the Clippers with a reality check about its identity crisis

So, now the common questions are: What would the Clippers season be this season? What is the ceiling for them? As a Clippers fan, you’d expect James Harden to carry the team every night with Kawhi out and Paul George gone. Shannon Sharpe shared his insight and pointed out how the other teams of various leagues from LA are doing comparatively better than the Clippers. He said: “Don’t matter what the ceiling is, they just went to a new arena. You gotta put butts in seats. The Dodgers are in the World Series; the Lakers are the Lakers.” He further wanted to know if ‘Ocho’ understood how LA works.

This is because: “Let me tell you, I lived there…There’s a lot of things to do. If you’re not winning, they’re not coming because a lot of people in LA are transient. So they’re not born LAians.”

Moreover, the identity crisis with the Clippers makes things trickier. “The Clippers originally were the Buffalo Braves. And then they went down to San Diego, and now they’re up in LA. So, they don’t have the attachment to a team like the Lakers,” reasoned the pundit. Simply put, James Harden might be the only player, who can deliver for the team. The LA crowd isn’t drawn to the Clippers. There’s little to make them buy tickets or stay until the end of the game.

Especially with their 9x NBA All-Star Paul George’s move to the 76ers and Kawhi Leonard’s indefinite absence, The Beard is the beacon of hope. Moreover, Shannon Sharpe firmly believes that the team lacks history and legacy. Unlike the Lakers who’ve got a list of icons, the Clippers may hardly have one or two. This too plays a role in bringing disinterest in the crowd.

James Harden & Co. feel the weight of being LA’s ‘second team’ despite Ballmer’s efforts

The Lakers have been around for more than 60 years. And it is quite natural to think of Purple and Gold when LA is mentioned. So, keeping this in mind, Shannon Sharpe continued with his trail of thoughts. He shared: “You know the Lakers. You know Wilt, you know LJ, you know Jerry West, you know Kareem, Magic, Shaq, Kobe, Worthy, and LeBron. When you think of the Clippers, who are you thinking about? Marcellus Wiley. Unfortunately, those guys don’t put butts in seats.”

So keep things subtle (well, there isn’t so much of the subtlety in Sharpe’s opinions) James Harden and the Clippers will remain the second team in Los Angeles. And no. No new arena of $2 Billion can save them from the second cousin status.

Seems a bit harsh, but it is what it is. The team needs to give something to the fans. And at the moment, they’re far from delivering. James Harden said he will be playing like his old self. The more defensive, the more aggressive, the better. But Kawhi Leonard‘s absence is haunting the team the most. He finished last season with averages of 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 52.5% from the field and 41.7% from the three-point range in 68 games. On the other hand, The Beard with an average of 16.6ppg last season, is the sole torchbearer for the team.

The Clippers are facing an uphill battle. Despite James Harden’s efforts and Steve Ballmer’s ambitious moves, the team still struggles to capture LA’s attention. Without Kawhi and PG, the burden falls heavily on Harden. But, as Shannon Sharpe pointed out, history and legacy matter in this city. The Lakers’ long list of legends overshadows the Clippers, who remain stuck as LA’s “second team.”

A new arena may be exciting, but it won’t change their status overnight. If the Clippers want to step out of the shadow, they need to deliver results—and fast.