On Tuesday, breaking news that the STAPLES Center will soon be called the Crypto.com Arena.
One of the most famous arenas for sports, the STAPLES Center has been home to the Lakers and Clippers for more than two decades. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the change will go into effect on Christmas Day (December 25). It is said to be “the largest US naming rights deal to date.”
“It would be very strange,” Clippers star Paul George replied when asked about his thoughts on the STAPLES Center being renamed. “I grew up here as STAPLES and STAPLES is a place to play and a place to stay. It’s definitely going to be weird.”
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Paul George on Staples Center renamed to Crypto .com Arena:
“It’s definitely going to be weird. Same location but it’s like stripping history here by calling it something else… Good thing we won’t be here for too long.”pic.twitter.com/r2JPCtWDF2
– Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 17, 2021
Born in Palmdale, California, George speak that he was both a Lakers and Clippers fan growing up. It is also known that he idolizes Kobe Bryant, once called a legend of the Lakers His Michael Jordan.
George has seen the Lakers win three straight championships from 2000-02, plus consecutive championships from 2009-10. Center STAPLES has been his home ground since 2019 when he was transferred from the Thunder to the Clippers.
“I mean, it’s the same place, but it’s like getting rid of history here by calling it something else. From here on out, I guess it’s a new page of history to be written. .
“It’s definitely going to be weird. It’s good that we won’t be here for too long. We’ll be in our own place. I guess.”
The Clippers recently broke ground on a new arena in Inglewood, slated to open in 2024.
Now in his third season as a member of the Clippers, George is averaging 27.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.2 steals per game. He helped the Clippers start 9-5 even though the team was without MVP Kawhi Leonard twice in the Finals due to injury, placing LA in fifth place on the Western Conference standings.
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After the win over Spurs, the Clippers will go on a two-match journey, facing the Grizzlies and Pelicans.
