Livingston Hasn’t Been Forgotten

Shaun Livingston made the ultimate leap, from high school to the pros. And made it in spectacular fashion, raising eyebrows and expectations.

“He has the size and the quick feet,� Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy says of the 6-foot-7 guard out of Peoria (Ill.) Central High, the No. 4 pick in June’s draft. “What was the biggest surprise was that he could be the best defender on the court for us. I remember watching him at pickup games in September and thinking, ‘Oh, I don’t have to hide him in games. I can play him.’ �

But not now. Livingston dislocated his right kneecap after appearing in only 11 games and isn’t expected back until mid-February at the earliest.

He might be largely gone from public view, but he has not been forgotten by Dunleavy, who isn’t about to buy into the idea that Livingston’s season is largely lost. Dunleavy has the 19-year-old traveling with the team and attending all team meetings, figuring there is no reason why Livingston’s learning process cannot continue from the sideline.

“He’s smart,� Dunleavy said. “This way, when he comes backs, it won’t be complete culture shock.�

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It’s the week for hiring Showtime Lakers.

Tuesday, it was announced that Michael Cooper is taking over as interim coach of the Denver Nuggets.

And Wednesday, the Clippers announced they have signed Norm Nixon, who not only played alongside Cooper but was a Clipper as well, to be the team’s analyst on its radio broadcasts on XTRA. Mel Proctor, now in his third season as the Clippers’ play-by-play man, had been working alone.

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Starting with Wednesday night’s game, the Clippers play five of their next six at home and seven of nine.