Maggette runs with his chance

During the difficult times this season, when Corey Maggette was frustrated about his role, he says he remained confident in his ability.

Confident he could thrive individually in a team-oriented approach, confident he could be a playmaker and not only a scorer, and confident he would succeed if given the opportunity.

It appears he was correct.

Maggette has emerged as an important player in the Clippers’ reconfigured offense that relies on ball movement, joining Cuttino Mobley in becoming the main playmakers. His new pass-first attitude is among the keys to a three-game winning streak in a 7-1 stretch that has put the Clippers within striking distance of a Western Conference playoff berth with eight games remaining.

In Wednesday’s 90-82 victory over the Lakers, Maggette scored a team-high 22 points and had six assists.

Maggette is having fun while helping the Clippers win, he says, and that’s all he ever wanted.

“Everything is just positive right now,” Maggette said. “Through all the stuff that went on in the year, I tried to stay as positive and professional as possible.

“I just kept telling the [coaching] staff, ‘I think I can help this team win. Just let me show you.’ That’s always been my focus, that I could help us win games while doing what I do, and all I needed was the opportunity.”

Shaun Livingston might sit out next season after having knee surgery and fellow point guard Sam Cassell has been sidelined often because of injuries, prompting Coach Mike Dunleavy to change his approach on offense, putting the ball in the hands of Maggette and Mobley.

“Shaun might not play next year and Sam has been hurt, so you have to take your game to another level when guys are out,” Maggette said. “Whether it’s passing or doing other things, I’ve really been trying to do that.

“I’m setting up people, I think that has helped everyone out, and I just really appreciate the opportunity Mike has given me. He’s letting me do the things I’m doing to help this team.”

Maggette credited General Manager Elgin Baylor with helping him maintain his focus when he wasn’t playing much at times. Baylor and Maggette have become close since Baylor acquired him from Orlando before the 2000-01 season.

“Elgin has always been real supportive,” Maggette said. “Just being able to talk to someone like Elgin with what he’s done in this game ... it definitely helps.”

Maggette’s performance has fueled the Clippers’ turnaround, Baylor said.

“Corey has been on fire,” Baylor said. “He’s just been terrific. It’s a pleasure to watch him.”

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The Clippers had a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for their proposed state-of-the-art Westside practice facility.

In December, owner Donald T. Sterling announced the selection of Turner Construction Co. as the general contractor for the $50-million project scheduled to begin in January.

In addition to two full basketball courts, the two-story, 42,500-square-foot structure also will house locker rooms, offices for the basketball-operations staff, a strength-training area, training room and extensive hydrotherapy area, a Clippers spokesman said.

Improved team chemistry could be among the benefits of the facility, Baylor said.

“We have very good chemistry on the team, but a state-of-the-art place like this will only enhance that,” he said. “Players will be spending more time together and there are more things they can do. They are going to have everything possible in the facility. And Donald Sterling’s vision of this project is why it’s happening.”

It will help the team’s current players and could be a powerful recruiting tool, Dunleavy said.

“There’s obviously two aspects of it,” he said. “One is the ability to improve your players and physically take care of them. The second is as a recruiting tool for players in other cities and other places who see your environment and everyday workplace.”

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jason.reid@latimes.com