Clippers to Play Seven Games at Anaheim Arena Next Season

The Clippers announced Tuesday that they will play seven games at Anaheim Arena next season, but again said they have no interest in moving there permanently.

“We believe Los Angeles is where we should look to build our new arena,” said Andy Roeser, Clipper executive vice president.

The Clippers will play the Lakers in an exhibition on Oct. 18. The dates of six regular-season games, probably against Western Conference opponents, will be announced in July when the NBA schedule is completed.

The Clippers earlier this season signed a three-year contract extension with the Sports Arena, their home for 10 seasons since moving to Los Angeles from San Diego.

Roeser said the Clippers’ desire to play in Anaheim is rooted in a need to further expand their fan base into Orange County.

“We’re more interested in expanding our fan base rather than substituting it for another,” he said.

The Clippers drew 17,507, a club record, to their Jan. 27 game against New York at Anaheim Arena. They played once at the Forum and once in Anaheim while the Sports Arena’s earthquake damage was being repaired.