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The Clippers are going to renovate 350 public basketball courts in L.A.

By Kelly Scaletta

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: Steve Ballmer attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on January 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: Steve Ballmer attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on January 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /
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The Clippers are putting some oomph into their charity efforts, investing in the renovation of 350 public basketball courts around L.A.

The L.A.  Clippers and Chairman Steve Ballmer, along with his wife Connie, are going to fund the renovation of 350 basketball courts over the next three years according to a press release from the team.

Ballmer cited the motivation for the gift as a chance to give the opportunity to grow up playing the game–and maybe even be the next star for the Clippers.

"“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,” said Steve Ballmer, Chairman of the L.A. Clippers. “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.”"

The gift coincides with the long-term plan for Los Angeles to invest up to $160 million in sports programming over the next decade.

"“Sports have always been an incredible vehicle for social change, and this gift is an extraordinary investment in our children and communities,” said Mayor Garcetti. “The Ballmers and the Clippers organization reflect the best of Los Angeles, and I’m grateful to them for their leadership and generous commitment to our city’s future."

It also correlates with the NBA’s vision of getting the league more socially conscious, as encouraged by Michelle Roberts and Adam Silver before the season started.

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Players, such as Dwyane Wade honoring the Parkland kids, James Harden donating a million dollars to help with Houston hurricane victims or even LeBron James just not “shutting up and dribbling” have taken that challenge.

It’s good also to see owners such as Vivek Randavive speaking out and Ballmer using his wealth to help the community.

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