Steve Ballmer and Wife Connie Ballmer, with the youth of the city in mind, are fixing up basketball courts around the city of Los Angeles.
When Steve Ballmer bought the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014 for $2 billion dollars from he who shall not be named, we as a fan base and a city knew it was a sign of good things to come. I personally was hoping for more marquee All-Star Players, and while we haven’t gotten there yet, Steve and his wife, Connie Ballmer, have just announced a plan to renovate around 350 basketball courts by the end of 2021 around our fine city.
Today at Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, one of the courts that are to be renovated, the Ballmers were joined by Mayor Eric Garcetti and fan favorite Clipper “Sweet” Lou Williams to announce the plan to improve the city courts. According to the Department of Recreation and Parks, it was determined that the floors of 108 indoor and 236 outdoor courts needed an overhaul. According to the press release, this includes updating the floor of the court (asphalt, concrete, hardwood), new backboards, frames, rims and scroeboards. Each court will be updated accordingly to the community that will use it.
"Ballmer said at the event, “Los Angeles is a city that embraces opportunity – and every kid in this city should have every opportunity to grow up to be the next Lou Williams, or DeAndre Jordan. Mayor Garcetti asked if the Clippers would play a role and help give opportunity to kids, and we were happy to step up. We believe every kid should have a shot at the American Dream, and youth sports opportunities can absolutely play a role in that.”"
I take back what I said, the Ballmer money is going towards finding our next marquee player, one of these kids playing on these courts could be the next great Clipper. Even if thye don’t its great to think they have a great place to learn the lessons the court has to offer. Thanks Ballmers our city is lucky to have you.