Longtime Staffer Likes What He Sees

If there’s anyone who can see the similarities between this season’s Clipper team and their playoff teams of the early 1990s, it’s equipment manager Pete Serrano.

“We have a core of players now just like we did back then,” said Serrano, who has worked with the Clippers since 1986. “Having Lamar [Odom], Darius [Miles], Michael [Olowokandi], Corey [Maggette] and Jeff [McInnis], reminds me of when we had players like Ron Harper and Danny Manning.

“It was such a great atmosphere to be a part of [when the Clippers made back-to-back playoff appearances under then-coach Larry Brown in 1992-93]. Back then, the Clippers could win against any team on any night. They were fun to be around . . . This season’s team is the same way.”

Serrano was still in high school when he began working with the Clippers as a ballboy. He then worked as an office assistant for a year before being promoted to his current position in 1988.

“I enjoy the fact that I’ve been to almost every practice, every game and every road trip since I started working with the Clippers,” Serrano said. “I feel that I’ve spent more time with the actual basketball team than anyone.

“Most people go to work every day but they would rather be somewhere else. Not me, I have had everything that I ever wanted working with the Clippers.”

TONIGHT

vs. Phoenix, 7:30 p.m.

* Site--Staples Center.

* TV--Fox Sports Net 2.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 30-50, Suns 49-30.

* Record vs. Suns--1-2.

* Update--Maggette is questionable because of a groin injury he suffered in Saturday’s victory at Golden State. This will be the final home game of the season for the Clippers, who are 21-19 at Staples Center.

* Tickets--(800) 462-2849