Clippers’ Eric Gordon says he wouldn’t mind a venue separate from Lakers

Reporting from Sacramento â€”  Relocation was the theme of the day.

That the Kings-Clippers game was about to turn into a pep rally, designed to show community support to keep the Kings from leaving, meant that there was a bigger swarm of media on hand.

And so, the Clippers were being asked about the prospect of the Kings moving to Anaheim and what it would mean to an already crowded Southern California market. They noted that Sacramento used to be a difficult venue for opposing teams.

Talk turned to one of the Clippers’ old homes: San Diego.

“I wouldn’t mind going down there — to separate ourselves from L.A. from the Lakers,� Eric Gordon said. “But it’s always good to compete with them.�

He was assured, and agreed with reporters, that Clippers owner Donald Sterling wouldn’t be retracing franchise steps and taking them back to San Diego. Or Buffalo.

Kidding aside, it was time for history lessons and Gordon was told the Clippers nearly ended up in Anaheim, instead of going to Staples Center. Gordon said he wouldn’t mind Anaheim either and one reporter teased him about favoring other cities in Southern California.

“I like L.A.,� Gordon said. “I don’t have any complaints. But you see all L.A. everywhere, Lakers stuff everywhere… [you would] have your own identity within the city and your team. That’s just a lot better.�

Etc.

Gordon, who has been out since Jan. 22 with an injured right wrist, said he would be playing soon but figured Wednesday against Houston would be a game-time decision.

“I’ll probably have enough time to practice tomorrow and go through shootaround,� he said. “It’s been improving a lot. Getting stronger, and as long as the pain keeps on going down, I’ll probably be even more comfortable. I’ve been knocking down mid-range jump shots. I can still feel it when I shoot. But it’s coming along a lot better.�

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