Los Angeles

- You immediately notice the rows of purple seats in the Staples Center. Take a look in the rafters and you'll see the retired jerseys and the championship banners.

Think of Los Angeles and you imagine the sun, surf and, of course, the Lakers.

Earl Boykins fully understands that his team, the Los Angeles Clippers, is second fiddle when it comes to Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Boykins, however, has seen some changes.

"The success we're having this year and the success we had last year has given us some notice," said Boykins, a guard for the Clippers and a graduate of Cleveland Central Catholic. "There's been a negative past with the Clippers, but these young guys here don't know about the past. They're trying to make their own mark. They're trying to make the best of the present."

The Clippers are one of the league's youngest and most exciting teams, with a high-flying, fast-breaking style. The Clippers dropped five of six games on their most recent trip, but entered last night's game against the Cavaliers just a game under .500 and with some big wins. They have victories over Toronto, Minnesota, Orlando and Sacramento. At home, the Clippers entered last night at 16-7.

The team thrives on the support.

"There's two completely different atmospheres for games here," Boykins said. "The Lakers have more of an upscale crowd. Our home games are more like a college game. We're getting sellouts and it's been a lot of fun."

The Clippers have nine home sellouts, including their last five games. That makes coach Alvin Gentry feel right at home.

"It wouldn't matter to us if they had turquoise seats," Gentry said. "This is a great place to play. We're getting 17,000 fans and it makes this a great place to play."

It has also been a good place for Boykins, who is averaging 4.8 points and two assists per game off the bench. He scored a season-high 12 points against Toronto on Jan. 13, and had 10 points and five assists against Portland on New Year's Day.

"I'm enjoying it here," Boykins said. "I'm getting some time off the bench and playing with a good team."