Brand Understands Fans’ Loyalties

Although the Clippers have improved, they have acknowledged Los Angeles is still a Laker town.

The Clippers squandered an opportunity to win the season series against their in-house rival, losing, 100-83, on Sunday at Staples Center.

Because of the Lakers’ history of success, the Clippers shouldn’t be concerned about attempting to close the gap when it comes to fans, Elton Brand said.

“Do we have a better roster? Absolutely,” said the co-captain, in his fifth season with the franchise.

“But no matter what we do, we probably can’t make Laker fans Clipper fans. You’re just a fan of who you’re a fan of.

“A lot of Laker fans grew up on those championships, and when you’re a young kid or a teenager, and you see that, you’ll be a fan of that team. There’s just no taking anything away from that.”

Sustained success, however, could help expand the Clipper fan base, Brand said.

“That’s the road we’re on now,” he said. “There are younger generations of kids who see what we’re doing, and we’ve got a young enough team to keep this going, so maybe we can keep creating new fans and get a few converts.”

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Corey Maggette sat out his third consecutive game because of back spasms and underwent an MRI exam that “revealed nothing significant,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. Maggette underwent therapy at his home Sunday, is scheduled to receive an epidural ejection today and is sidelined indefinitely. It’s too early to determine Maggette’s status for the first round of the playoffs, Dunleavy said.

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Beginning play Monday, forward Vladimir Radmanovic, slowed because of a strained groin, had missed 11 of his last 13 three-pointers.

“You have certain limitations,” he said. “You don’t have explosiveness and you can’t run the way you’re supposed to, so it affects you that way.

“But I never look for excuses. Anytime I’m on the floor, I’m acting like I’m 100% and trying to bring my best.”

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Individual playoff tickets for the team’s two guaranteed games at Staples Center are scheduled to go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets, the Staples Center box office, online at Clippers.comor by calling (800) 4NBA-TIX.