Livingston News Prompts Move

Concerned about Shaun Livingston’s lingering back problems, the Clippers were expected to sign journeyman point guard Anthony Goldwire, who joined the team Saturday in Dallas for the start of a two-game trip.

General Manager Elgin Baylor made the move after the Clippers received disappointing news Friday about Livingston, who has not played in the exhibition season because of a lower back strain. A second MRI exam of Livingston’s back revealed continued irritation in the injured area, a team spokesman said, and the second-year player is scheduled to undergo further tests Monday under the supervision of back specialist William Dillin.

With only three games remaining in the preseason, the Clippers acknowledged Livingston, sidelined 52 games in his rookie season because of knee and shoulder injuries, might not be ready for the season opener Nov. 2 against the Seattle SuperSonics. The decision to bring in another veteran point guard late in the exhibition season indicated the Clippers doubted Livingston would return soon.

“Obviously, it wasn’t the news we were hoping to hear,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “We were hoping to hear everything was all clear and he could go.... It’s starting to look like it could be an issue there.”

The Clippers have proceeded cautiously with Livingston, whose back problems have slowed him since the start of training camp. He has participated in only limited activity while receiving therapy, including acupuncture, and rookie point guard Daniel Ewing moved into the role of starter Sam Cassell’s primary backup in exhibition games.

Ewing has impressed at times, especially on defense, but the Clippers want an experienced point guard to run their second unit once the season starts. Goldwire, 34, has played in parts of seven seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Jersey Nets, Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks.

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An MRI exam of Cassell’s sore hip did not reveal damage. He might join the team on the trip.... Starting small forward Corey Maggette, who suffered a strained left hamstring in practice Friday, remained in Los Angeles.