I mean a lot of Laker fans understand how meaningless they are to Los Angeles. The Clippers had a really great team (even though they didn't accomplish much in the end) for several years, and still played second fiddle to an awful Lakers team. Meanwhile you have a place like Seattle that is foaming at the mouth for a team, and would be welcomed with open arms. I understand the big market argument, but when you look at tv deals, attendance, tv ratings, etc. The Clippers significantly underperform considering the market they are in. Also the "rivalry" you speak of was driven by the media and networks when CP3 got dealt there and Kobe was still around, not Lakers fans. The Clippers and Lakers have nothing that resembles a rivalry, and the only thing they share in common is the building and city they play in.