Cards From Buffalo to L.A.
It’s Lob City, the story of a franchise reinvigorated and making its own name in the City of Angels. From the Point God and Blake setting up for an All-World slam, all the way back to Bob McAdoo, the Los Angeles Clippers have had some great talent and stellar moments, and with a brand new state-of-the-art arena, they look to have a great future as well.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways to collect the Clippers.
Clippers Mount Rushmore
Our Clippers Mount Rushmore pulls heavily from the Lob City days, while also paying tribute to two Clippers greats of the past.
2005 Topps Chrome Basketball #168 Chris Paul Blue X-Fractor /90
Player Accomplishments
• 2006 Rookie of the Year
• 12x All-Star
• 11x All-League
Card Info
• This RC from Paul’s start in the league with New Orleans has sold for as much as $10,000
Player Impact
• The Point God, One of the greatest playmakers and smartest players in league history, helped bring a new level of respect and play to the Clippers
2009 Topps Chrome Basketball #96 Blake Griffin RC Gold Refractor /50
Player Accomplishments
• 2011 Rookie of the Year
• 5x All-League
• 6x All-Star
Card Info
• RC in Chrome set that includes other coveted rookies like Steph Curry and James Harden
Player Impact
• A mind-boggling athlete in his prime and one of the greatest dunkers in modern history, Griffin teamed with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan to create Lob City
1973 Topps Basketball #135 Bob McAdoo RC
Player Accomplishments
• 2x Champion
• 1975 MVP
• 5x All-Star
Card Info
• McAdoo Buffalo Braves RC is his most valuable card
Player Impact
• The only MVP in franchise history, McAdoo was an elite scorer who led the league in scoring for three straight seasons with the Clippers
1976 Topps Basketball #40 Randy Smith
Player Accomplishments
• 2x All-Star
• 1978 All-Star Game MVP
• Held Ironman Record Until 1997
Card Info
• Smith RC from the franchise’s time in Buffalo
Player Impact
• A Phenomenal all-round athlete who excelled in multiple sports, the high-flying Smith played in 906 straight games
Lob City
Blake Griffin’s Rookie of the Year campaign in 2010/11 gave fans hope that the Clippers could finally break into the league’s upper crust. When Chris Paul joined for the following season, L.A. began a stretch of six straight postseasons. Finally, the Clippers had broken through, after an 18-year run that included only two postseasons.
Not only were the Clippers for real, with Paul and Griffin joined by dunk machine DeAndre Jordan, but they were appointment viewing, and one of the most popular teams in the league. All three of these former All-Stars are mission critical when it comes to building a collection of the Clippers and their newfound and consistent place as true contenders. Griffin’s 2007 McDonald’s All-American card is a fun addition, celebrating a top overall draft pick who excelled in L.A.
Few players have controlled the game like Chris Paul, unquestionably one of the best pure point guards we’ve ever seen. A 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-League selection, Paul ranks second in all-time assists. He dragged the Clippers into contention, and Lob City redefined the team and its relationship to the city of Los Angeles. Today, it’s no surprise to see a star sign up with the Clippers. Lob City is a huge reason why.
In 2014, the Clippers won the Pacific Division and took on the soon-to-be-dynastic Golden State Warriors in an epic seven-game series. The next year, Paul and Co. took out defending champion San Antonio in another classic postseason battle. While Lob City didn’t win a ring, the era changed Clippers basketball forever.
While Paul’s 1-of-1 2008 Topps Chrome SuperFractor is the biggest sale of a Point God Topps card, the most consistently coveted and valuable remains his 2005 Topps Chrome RC, seen above, which has sold for as much as $10,000. For Clippers fans, the news that Paul was coming back in 2025 for one last dance with the Clippers became one more great reason to chase the franchise legend.
This time, Paul joins a team that’s been helmed most recently by former Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and former MVP James Harden. Both of these superstars are also worthy additions to any Clippers team collection, as is former spotlight Clipper star Paul George.
A Brief Breakthrough
An exciting Clippers group in 2005/06 energized the fanbase, winning the franchise’s first playoff series since the team was in Buffalo in 1976.
Led by former top draft pick Elton Brand, L.A. handled the Nuggets in five before falling in a fantastic seven-game tilt with the Seven-Seconds-or-Less Suns led by another All-World point guard, two-time MVP Steve Nash.
Brand was flanked by hyper-athletic wing Corey Maggette and veteran point guard Sam Cassell, who would go on to serve as an assistant coach with the team for over half a decade. All three of these Clippers make for great additions to any team collection.
Bob the Bucket
For some vintage flavor, Clippers collectors can find any number of Topps offerings from the franchise’s past eras in San Diego and Buffalo. From 1972-76, Buffalo was home to Hall-of-Famer and 75th Anniversary team member Bob McAdoo, who put together one of the best starts to a career ever seen. He kicked things off with the 1973 Rookie of the Year Award, before going supernova — one MVP and two MVP runner-ups while winning three straight scoring titles from 1974-76, peaking at a ridiculous 34.5 PPG in a 1974/75.
A big with a smooth jumper, as well as the speed, agility, and accuracy to play away from the basket, he was unguardable almost from the minute he entered the league. McAdoo’s most coveted card is undoubtedly his 1973 Topps Basketball RC. A rare PSA 10, of which there are only five, sold for $43,920 in February of 2025.
Capturing History Your Way
While the Clippers have yet to win a title, the modern era has been one of high-flying excitement and consistent competitiveness. With multiple eras of big stars and playoff escapades, there are a ton of options for fans and collectors to tell the story of the Los Angeles Clippers.
