1996–97 Los Angeles Clippers season
The 1996–97 NBA season was the Clippers' 27th season in the National Basketball Association, 13th in Los Angeles and 3rd in which they played occasional home games in Anaheim. During the offseason, the Clippers signed free agents Darrick Martin and former All-Star center Kevin Duckworth. With the loss of Brian Williams to free agency, the Clippers were expected to sink in the bottom of the NBA again. However, with the continued solid play of Loy Vaught, who once again led the team in scoring and rebounding, the Clippers managed to slip into the playoffs as the #8 seed in the Western Conference with a below.500 record of 36–46, fifth in the Pacific Division. However, in the first round of the playoffs, the Clippers were swept by the top-seeded Utah Jazz in three straight games. This would be their final playoff appearance until 2006.
Following the season, Malik Sealy signed as a free agent with the Detroit Pistons, Bo Outlaw signed with the Orlando Magic, Stanley Roberts was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Terry Dehere signed with the Sacramento Kings and Duckworth retired.Draft Picks
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | College |
| 1 | 7 | Lorenzen Wright | C/PF | United States | Memphis |
| 2 | 36 | Doron Sheffer | F | | UConn |
Roster
Regular season
Season standings
Record vs. opponents
Playoffs
West First Round
Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Last Playoff Meeting: 1992 Western Conference First RoundPlayer statistics
Season
Playoffs
Transactions
The Clippers have been involved in the following transactions during the 1996-97 season.Trades
No trades occurred for this team this season.Additions
| Player | Signed | Former team |
| Darrick Martin | July 11 | Vancouver Grizzlies |
| Dwayne Schintzius | September 19 | Indiana Pacers |
| Kevin Duckworth | October 10 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Rich Manning | April 1 | Vancouver Grizzlies |
Subtractions
