After an NBA investigation that resulted in a $30 million fine, the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks and suspensions for several team executives, the Los Angeles Clippers named attorney John S. Gibson interim CEO on Monday.
Gibson, a Clippers season-ticket holder, will assume the role immediately. Owner Steve Ballmer is serving a one-year suspension, while business operations president Gillian Zucker and basketball operations president Lawrence Frank also received unpaid suspensions.
The Harvard and Michigan Law School graduate moves into his new role after serving as an acclaimed attorney for the DLA Piper law firm in Los Angeles. He was co-chair of the firm’s business and commercial litigation practice.
“I am honored to take on this responsibility and grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization I have supported for many years,” Gibson said in a team release. “The Clippers have talented players, coaches, and staff, an extraordinary home in Intuit Dome, and passionate Clipper Nation fans who, like me, care deeply about this team.
“My focus will be on supporting our people, providing steady leadership, and helping the organization continue moving forward.”
After denouncing the findings from the NBA in their investigation into how the team’s former star player Kawhi Leonard was compensated during his three-year $149.5 million contract, the Clippers moved last week to accept the league’s findings.
“We are committed to put this chapter behind us,” Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said in a statement. “We have communicated to the NBA that we are complying (with) the penalties assessed by the league, have paid the fine and are moving forward. While there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report, this is not where I want to focus. Team owners should support, not distract.”
Gibson’s first task is to move the franchise forward amid so much uncertainty.
“The challenges ahead of us are significant, but so is our resolve,” Ballmer said last week. “We will continue to build our team and invest in our community. The confidence of our fans is our priority.”
The Clippers went 42-40 in the 2025-26 campaign and missed the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. The team has not advanced past the first round since making it to the 2021 Western Conference finals.
Also last week, the Clippers completed Leonard’s trade to the Toronto Raptors that had been on hold during the NBA’s investigation. That deal originally was agreed to on June 30. In return, the Clippers will receive forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-round picks.
–Field Level Media
