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Chris Kaman News & Rumors

Clippers acquire Chris Paul, send Eric Gordon to New Orleans
December 15
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Clippers have agreed to acquire All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets in a blockbuster deal that includes sending Eric Gordon to the Hornets, two people with knowledge of the situation who were not authorized to speak on the matter said Wednesday. The Clippers will send the Hornets Chris Kaman and his expiring $12.7-million expiring contract, second-year forward Al-Farouq Aminu and the unprotected No. 1 draft pick the Clippers got from the Minnesota Timberwolves, both people said. The Clippers will get Paul and two future second-round draft picks from the Hornets."
Sources: Officials push to renew Paul talks
December 13
ESPN.com
 
"There is renewed momentum to push through a trade that would send Chris Paul from the league-owned New Orleans Hornets to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to sources close to the process. After a seemingly imminent trade routing Paul to the Clippers collapsed earlier Monday, sources told ESPN.com that the league officials negotiating on the Hornets' behalf had aggressively re-engaged the Clippers in talks in hopes of completing a deal as soon as Tuesday. One source close to the process also told ESPN that league officials also definitely did not see talks with the Clippers as "over," since they rank as the Hornets' most natural trade partner given L.A.'s trade assets and how it ranks as"
Clippers back off Chris Paul trade, win rights to Chauncey Billups
December 13
Los Angeles Times
 
"The first big news the Clippers made Monday was when they pulled out of a proposed deal to acquire All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets. Then in the afternoon the Clippers won the waiver auction to get veteran point guard Chauncey Billups, and re-signed center DeAndre Jordan by matching the Golden State Warriors' four-year, $43.2-million contract offer. "I don't know if there's anybody on the planet that doesn't think they would need Chris Paul if they had an opportunity to acquire him," said Neil Olshey, the Clippers' vice president of basketball operations, who, along with Coach Vinny Del Negro and team President Andy Roeser, had been working on all three deals"
Sources: Clippers' deal for Chris Paul off
December 12
ESPN.com
 
"A seemingly imminent Chris Paul trade has collapsed for the second time in five days. Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that the league-owned New Orleans Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers could not complete their proposed Paul trade because the Clippers ultimately decided the NBA's asking price for the All-Star guard was too high. On Thursday, NBA commissioner David Stern vetoed a three-team trade agreement struck by the Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets to send Paul to the Lakers. At the NBA's direction, sources said, New Orleans was insisting upon the inclusion of both shooting guard Eric Gordon and Minnesota's unprotected 2012 first-round draft choice in"
Source: Clippers seek Chris Paul deal
December 12
ESPN.com
 
"The New Orleans Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers submitted a multiplayer blockbuster deal to the NBA on Sunday that would send All-Star point guard Chris Paul to Los Angeles, a source with knowledge of the discussions said Monday. But the trade as submitted has one hitch: The league, which owns the Hornets, wanted Eric Bledsoe, while the Clippers want to keep their point guard, the source said. The deal would be done if the league hadn't asked for Bledsoe, according to the source. The trade as submitted would cost the Clippers guard Eric Gordon, center Chris Kaman and forward Al-Farouq Aminu. It would also include Minnesota's first-round draft pick in 2012."
Clippers are close to deal for Chris Paul with Hornets
December 12
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Clippers and the New Orleans Hornets were working vigorously Sunday night to consummate a blockbuster deal that would send All-Star point guard Chris Paul to Los Angeles to play for the Lakers' cross-town rivals, said two people with knowledge of the situation who were not authorized to speak on the matter. The deal hasn't been completed, but both sides were in the closing stages of the negotiations. The Clippers would send the Hornets center Chris Kaman, backup second-year guard Eric Bledsoe, second-year forward Al-Farouq Aminu and the No. 1 draft pick they got from the Minnesota Timberwolves that is unprotected in the 2012 draft, considered to be one of the best in recent years."
Chris Kaman says contract year doesn't affect his approach
December 11
Los Angeles Times
 
"This is a contract year for Clippers center Chris Kaman, a year in which he might consider putting up numbers to try to impress his current employers or potential suitors. But, Kaman maintained after practice Saturday, he's not going to change his approach to the season despite this being the last year of a deal that pays him $12.7 million. "You hope not," Kaman said. "You don't like to hear guys say, 'Oh, I'm in my contract year. I've got to play harder.' Like what have you been doing the last four years? I try to give my effort every game the best I can. "I think it's important to be professional at all times. So I'm not going to say, 'I've got to play hard this year" because of the"
Clippers' Chris Kaman back playing for German National Team while NBA lockout drags on
August 23
Michigan Live
 
"Long after the deafening drum line that stood behind the home basket stopped banging, noisemakers fell silent, and the faithful German basketball fans slowly left Stechert Arena, Chris Kaman was the last player for the German National Team left on the court signing autographs and posing for photos. You'd think with all the love shown in Deutschland that Kaman was back at Tri-unity Christian, Central Michigan University or even the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Instead, Kaman and his German citizenship card are roughly 4,300 miles away from Grand Rapids in a country where his great-grandfather, Herman Kaman (originally spelled "Kamen"), now makes it possible for the 7-foot center to"
Clippers seem more focused on Chris Kaman's future with the team than on the NBA draft
June 23
Los Angeles Times
 
"Recent Clippers history, a telling case study in trade rumors. Nothing, absolutely nothing, was said to be going on in the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 24. Then came a rush of phone calls, a puff of smoke from Cleveland and Baron Davis vanished and became a Cavalier. Just like that. This doesn't mean that Clippers' center Chris Kaman will be dealt Thursday — the day of the NBA draft — or that he won't be traded. It just illustrates that trade rumors often start circulating after a deal is dead. More often than not, serious negotiations take place and silence ensues when deals are close to completion. Kaman's future and the team's ongoing quest for a star small forward"
76ers' Iguodala gone this week?
June 20
Yahoo! Sports
 
"There's been plenty of talk about the Philadelphia 76ers dealing Andre Iguodala this offseason and HoopsWorld reports that he "may find a new home this week." The site notes that it seems as if the Sixers would like to get a deal done before Thursday's draft gets underway. The team has the 16th pick in the first round and would like to know if it's going to have Iguodala on its roster or not when it has to make that selection."
Report: Sixers, Clippers talk Kaman-Iguodala trade
June 9
CSN Philly
 
"After rumors surfaced on Tuesday of a possible trade that would send Andre Iguodala to the Golden State Warriors for shooting guard Monta Ellis, yet another trade rumor surfaced Wednesday. ESPN.com is reporting that the Sixers discussed a potential trade for Los Angeles Clipper for Chris Kaman in exchange for Iguodala. Kaman was an All-Star in 2010. The 6-foot-11 Center has averaged 12 points and eight rebounds for his career. The Sixers aren't hiding the fact they are on the market for a big man. The team could end up drafting a big in the upcoming draft. However, with DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin in the fold, the Clippers have an excess of quality post players to use in any potential"
Clippers' Chris Kaman goes gun shopping before the Rapture
May 23
USA Today
 
"As our Faith & Reason blogger Cathy Lynn Grossman noted, Saturday's talk of the end of the world turned into 'Apocalypse No' and a day of jokes as opposed to judgmnent. But before we were all spared from the Rapture, Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman told his Twitter followers on Friday he was going to be armed and dangerous saying, "Just incase anything fishy happens tomorrow I bought a few more guns." He even included links to three photos to prove he meant business. Later, he responded to one his followers by saying the guns were for "home protection.""
Chris Kaman scheduled to have MRI exam
April 12
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Clippers' season practically started with an MRI exam, so it made complete sense that it would end that way with one game remaining. This time, it turned out to be injury-riddled center Chris Kaman, who is certainly well-acquainted with the MRI machine. Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro said Monday morning that Kaman was scheduled to have an MRI exam on his sprained right knee either later in the day or perhaps Tuesday. Kaman suffered the injury in the latter stages of Wednesday's loss at Oklahoma City, and did not play in the Clippers' final two road games, at Dallas and Houston, both losses. He has played in a mere 32 games this season, averaging 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds. Two"
Kaman misses second straight game with illness
April 3
Los Angeles Times
 (scroll down)
"Center Chris Kaman missed his second game in as many nights because of a viral illness. He had made the trip with the Clippers to Phoenix but got sick on Thursday night and did not play against the Suns. Also inactive for the Clippers was small forward Ryan Gomes, who has been dealing with a swollen knee."
Chris Kaman is making summer plans
March 24
Los Angeles Times
 
"No one can dispute that Clippers center Chris Kaman has made good use of his summer vacations, some more eclectic than others. Now Kaman is considering playing for Germany at the European championships in Lithuania in the summer. They start in late August and run well into September and serve as a qualifier for next year's Olympics in London. "If Dirk plays, I will," Kaman said Wednesday before the Clippers played host to the Washington Wizards. That would be his buddy and Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki. Dallas will play the Clippers at Staples Center next Wednesday and Kaman said the two might talk about the issue. "If he's not playing, then I'm not playing," Kaman said. "It's all on"
Kaman makes return after being sidelined since December 5th with ankle injury
February 17
Los Angeles Times
 
"Considering all of it — the rust and rest — Chris Kaman played well defensively in his first game since Dec. 5. Kaman, who had been out because of an injured left ankle, played nine minutes and had four points, six rebounds and three blocked shots in the Clippers' 98-90 victory against Minnesota on Wednesday. "I just wanted to come out, be patient, take my time," Kaman said. "I rushed a couple of shots but other than that, I was pretty patient and careful to make the right moves, the right plays. Not take any gambles. I just tried to use my minutes wisely. … I've always been a decent rebounder. I just tried to do that again. A lot of times when teams don't make shots, there's a lot"
Chris Kaman sees Blake Griffin staying put for some time
February 14
Los Angeles Times
 
"You would have to be clueless not to pick up on the conversation(s) about Blake Griffin's future even though it is wildly premature speculation. Even by NBA standards. Chris Kaman managed to address it, getting there in a roundabout way. He probably didn't even mean to travel down that road about Griffin's shelf life as a Clipper. "I told Blake, 'You might as well buy a house, buddy. You're going to be here six more years,' " Kaman said Sunday before the Clippers-Toronto Raptors game. "Any time you're a restricted free agent, the team has a second option, you don't lose a player like Blake Griffin. You just don't." Inevitably, Griffin is often asked by a reporter on the road, say, for"
Chris Kaman still doesn't know when he'll return
February 2
Los Angeles Times
 
"Clippers center Chris Kaman said Tuesday his injured left ankle is gradually improving, but he still doesn't know when he'll be back in the lineup. "[It's] getting there," he said after the team practiced at its Playa Vista training facility ahead of its game Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center. "It's not like there's a time frame. I wish there was. I don't know when I'm going to be playing again." Kaman, 28, first injured the ankle Nov. 9 against the Hornets in New Orleans. He returned to the court in early December but reinjured the ankle Dec. 5 during a game in Portland. Kaman was averaging 10.5 points and 7.1 rebounds in the 10 games he played, but he now has missed"
Chris Kaman's ankle still 'not right'
January 13
ESPN.com
 
"Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman said Wednesday he doesn't expect to to play again until the beginning of February as he recovers from an ankle injury that's already cost him most of this season. "It's not right right now so I kind of had to back off of what I've been doing a little bit and let it rest a little more," Kaman said."
Chris Kaman keeps up on trade rumors
January 13
Los Angeles Times
 
"Fantasy-league owners aren't the only ones closely monitoring trade rumors. Long-injured Clippers center Chris Kaman was talking Wednesday about the incessant stream of speculation regarding Carmelo Anthony's eventual destination, joking about the sheer number of players involved. "There's like 25 players, 40 players or something," Kaman said, smiling. "Realistically, it's like 12 or 15. It's just wild. I didn't realize they were going to move Chauncey [Billups]." Kaman, out because of an injured ankle, is not remotely close to returning to action and said he still is feeling a lot of pain. His return certainly won't be before February when the Clippers go into exile on the road, two"
Chris Kaman isn't close to coming back
January 3
Los Angeles Times
 
"Now, a word, or two, from Chris Kaman. This is almost shaping up as Kaman's (lost) wilderness season as he hasn't played in nearly a month since reinjuring his right ankle at Portland on Dec. 5. To put it bluntly, the Clippers' starting center is not close to rejoining the lineup. "It's a slow progress," Kaman said Sunday. "Since I came back and played and hurt it again, they're probably more wary of me coming back sooner. And they're probably going to make it later. "I don't mean later. But in the sense that take more time with it and make sure that it's really ready and that I can put a lot of pressure on it. Go out there and play and not have to worry about it, or think about it. It's"
Clippers' Chris Kaman out at least three more weeks
December 11
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Clippers had hoped Chris Kaman's injured left ankle would heal in time for the All-Star center to rejoin the team's lineup next week when they leave for a three-game trip. But it's not to be. Kaman, 28, will miss at least three more weeks because of the ankle has a bone bruise and ligament sprain, the Clippers said Friday. "I'm frustrated and disappointed that I have to wait longer," Kaman said. "I was hoping to play sooner, but injuries are a part of basketball." Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro said Kaman "needs to stay off [the ankle] for a couple weeks, and then train for a week and see how it reacts." The struggling Clippers (5-18) have been hobbled by injuries to several players"
Chris Kaman reinjures ankle in loss to Blazers
December 6
Los Angeles Times
 
"One of these nights, one of these crazy old (Clippers) nights. . . . First, before going down that path of bizarreness, the Clippers managed to keep a dubious streak alive. Portland defeated them, 100-91, Sunday night at the Rose Garden, handing the Clippers their 10th loss in 10 road games. They nearly erased a 22-point deficit but faltered with four turnovers in the last 4 1/2 minutes. Oh, and they also lost center Chris Kaman, who reinjured his sprained left ankle. Washington is the only other NBA team without a road victory. Now back to the crazy. Two Clippers, Brian Cook and Craig Smith, were ejected, and the team received five technical fouls in all, most of them resulting from a"
Clippers center Chris Kaman doesn't want to be a hindrance
November 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"Among the most interested spectators at the Clippers' matinee loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday was a man in a dark pin-striped suit and red tie sitting a row behind the home team's bench. If he hadn't twisted an ankle three weeks ago, center Chris Kaman would have been in the game rather than in the stands. And although the team is 2-8 in his absence, Kaman says it's clear guard Eric Gordon and rookie forward Blake Griffin have forged a unique relationship. And it's a chemistry the All-Star doesn't want to interrupt by coming back too early. "I just want to get back and be healthy," said Kaman, whose return isn't expected before the weekend. "With that being said, coming back do I mess up"
Clippers' Chris Kaman hopes to return to lineup next week
November 26
Los Angeles Times
 
"The great thing about an interview with Chris Kaman is that you never quite know where it might go. On Thursday, it started with injuries and moved on to prodigious pie eating. First, the injury. Kaman pushed things, a bit, with his sprained left ankle in practice earlier this week. He hopes now he will return to the lineup next week. "The true story is I kind of jumped the gun," Kaman said before the Clippers' game against the Sacramento Kings. "I was feeling good and I was walking around feeling good. So I thought I was going to be good to play sooner than later. I tried to go out there two days ago to do some stuff. "I can't jump off it yet like I want to without a lot of pain. I can do"
Chris Kaman wants to play Thursday
November 23
ESPN.com
 
"Clippers center Chris Kaman said he wants to return -- about a week ahead of schedule -- for Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings from an ankle injury that has kept him out since Nov. 9. Whether he'll actually do so is still up for debate. "I think I'll play Thursday," Kaman said after the Clippers' 99-95 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night. "Our trainers have done a good job, and I've been doing everything I can to get back.""
Clippers hurting without Chris Kaman
November 16
Los Angeles Times
 
"Lasting image of a Clippers season: Chris Kaman limping off the court with a sprained left ankle in New Orleans. Kaman's house of pain quickly expanded to a world of hurt for the Clippers, who dropped that game against the Hornets last Tuesday and went on to lose the next night at San Antonio and at home Friday against Detroit. Unfortunately, for Kaman, there is no fast-track healing process for an ankle. "Not really much else I can do — can't heal it overnight," Kaman said before Monday night's game against the New Jersey Nets. "Wish there was a miracle pill, but there isn't." Kaman paused for effect and joked, saying: "There is, but it's not legal." He offered a qualified progress"
Kaman to miss 2-3 weeks with ankle injury
November 11
CBSSports.com
 
"Another hit for the sliding Clippers. This time, it's starting center and All-Star Chris Kaman. Kaman rolled his ankle against the Hornets Tuesday and is expected to miss two to three weeks because of the injury. Kaman underwent X-rays, which showed no structural damage. Kaman told the L.A. Times after the game, "We just ran one of our plays we only run a couple of times a game, and Rasual [Butler] threw the ball up there a little bit, trying to lead me to the basket," Kaman said. "I think Chris Paul tried to come on the weak side to try to steal it and put his foot right where my foot was supposed to go. Basically, I just rolled my ankle right over right then and it was pretty painful for"
Clippers' Chris Kaman sprains ankle in 101-82 loss to New Orleans
November 10
Los Angeles Times
 
"Haven't the Clippers been through this injury thing before here in New Orleans in November? Last year, it was reserve guard Kareem Rush watching his NBA career vanish when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the first quarter against the Hornets. On Tuesday, it was all-star center Chris Kaman spraining his left ankle in the first quarter against New Orleans. Now, of course, Kaman's career is not in jeopardy. Far from it. But it is a huge blow to a foundering, injury-riddled Clipper team, which lost, 101-82, to the undefeated Hornets at New Orleans Arena. Kaman's leaving on crutches and possibly out of action for a minimum of three weeks signals a season going south in"
Are Pistons interesting in trading for Hawks' Josh Smith or Clippers' Chris Kaman?
November 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"The buzz Tuesday was that the Pistons could be interested in Hawks forward Josh Smith. The thinking is since the Hawks just signed Joe Johnson (six years, $124 million) and Al Horford (five years, $60 million) to new deals, they won't be able to afford to keep the remaining three years and $37 million left on Smith's deal. Plus, the Pistons made a run at Smith in the summer of 2008, so it's understandable that they (and several other teams) would be mentioned as possible landing spots for him by the February trade deadline. However, there are some major factors working against a Pistons-Hawks swap. Take the Pistons' two main trade chips -- Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton. The Pistons like"
Clippers' Chris Kaman warns players must prepare for potential lockout
October 22
Los Angeles Times
 
"And so, the NBA's work schedule is only days away from officially starting and the chief starts talking about future wage cuts. Not just by 10%, either. How about in the neighborhood of 35% to 38%? That was, more or less, what happened Thursday in the NBA. Commissioner David Stern told reporters that the league would be seeking a cut in player income anywhere from $750 million to $800 million. This was after an owners meeting in New York. "There's a lot of negotiations that are going on, and I don't really know how it's going to end up," the Clippers' Chris Kaman said Thursday. "They're saying lockout. You just never know. You've just got to be ready and prepare yourself for that,"
Clippers' Chris Kaman is very frustrated
March 17
Los Angeles Times
 
"The premise was that bad individual performances happened to be a fact of life during the treadmill of an 82-game NBA schedule. But, if spaced out judiciously, not quite as noticeable. The Clippers' Chris Kaman didn't let that thought quite get finished. "I've had a nice bunch of them," he said, ruefully. One of the low points was Monday night. Kaman went three for 15 from the field for eight points in an eight-point loss to the Hornets. With each miss, most of them banging off the rim, his frustration level kept rising. And there was some residue at practice Tuesday. "Clearly when he's gone to the point that he's fried, you've got to take him out. You still have to run plays for him, work"
Late All-Star selection changes Chris Kaman's Valentine's plans
February 9
Los Angeles Times
 
"First came the applause. Then came the pats on the back. At that point things took a truly silly turn Monday inside the Clippers' practice facility after General Manager Mike Dunleavy informed his team that center Chris Kaman has been selected as an All-Star replacement for injured Portland guard Brandon Roy. Kaman's teammates playfully wrestled him to the floor, a few piling on top. "That wasn't fun," Kaman deadpanned later. The Clippers were mostly giving the 27-year-old kudos for his first All-Star selection during a season in which he is averaging a career-high 20.2 points plus 9.0 rebounds. He's the first Clippers All-Star since Elton Brand in 2006. Still, Kaman's selection was"
Chris Kaman selected to All-Star game to replace Brandon Roy
February 9
Los Angeles Times
 
"First came the applause. Then came the pats on the back. At that point things took a truly silly turn Monday inside the Clippers' practice facility after General Manager Mike Dunleavy informed his team that center Chris Kaman has been selected as an All-Star replacement for injured Portland guard Brandon Roy. Kaman's teammates playfully wrestled him to the floor, a few piling on top. "That wasn't fun," Kaman deadpanned later. The Clippers were mostly giving the 27-year-old kudos for his first All-Star selection during a season in which he is averaging a career-high 20.2 points plus 9.0 rebounds. He's the first Clippers All-Star since Elton Brand in 2006."
Chris Kaman gives a big boost to the Clippers
February 3
Los Angeles Times
 
"Chris Kaman wants to sleep in his own bed. His ankle hurts and his team has been on the road for two weeks, suffering meltdowns in single-digit locales such as Minnesota and Cleveland. So what transpired Tuesday night at the United Center made it feel like sweet home Chicago for the 7-footer. The Clippers center notched a double-double in his return from a sprained left ankle and helped his team stifle the Chicago Bulls during a 90-82 victory that ended a losing streak at four games. Kaman scored 21 points on 10-for-20 shooting and had 11 rebounds as the Clippers earned their first victory in 14 games on the road against teams with .500 or better records. They held the Bulls to 38%"
Lakers forward Gasol an All-Star; Clippers center Kaman isn't
January 29
L.A. Daily News
 
"In the end, Pau Gasol let his game speak for itself. He declined to fire back when Clippers center Chris Kaman said last week the 7-foot power forward/center shouldn't be selected to the All-Star team. Kaman's contention that Gasol was unfit to serve because he hadn't played enough games to warrant his selection as a reserve didn't sway NBA coaches, who picked the Spaniard to the Western Conference team Thursday. Kaman was not selected. Gasol is averaging 17.4 points, a team-leading 11 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 29 games, strong numbers to be sure. There is another significant statistic that underscores his importance to the Lakers, however. They are 24-5 with him on their active roster"
Chris Kaman says Clippers' record hurt his All-Star chances
January 29
Los Angeles Times
 
"Marcus Camby saw a reporter approach Chris Kaman inside the Target Center on Thursday afternoon and preempted the first question with one of his own. "Chris, did you make it?" Camby yelled to his Clippers teammate seated across the floor. Apprised by Kaman that the center had not been selected as an All-Star reserve, Camby uttered an expletive and told Kaman he had been robbed. Kaman seemed resigned to his fate -- All-Star reserves were announced Thursday -- saying his case for selection by Western Conference coaches was hurt by the Clippers' sub-.500 record. "I just obviously didn't get enough respect to make it, and I can't really control that," Kaman said. "So now I have to move forward"
Clippers center Kaman: Lakers' Gasol isn't a worthy All-Star
January 23
L.A. Daily News
 
"Clippers center Chris Kaman went negative in a suddenly very public campaign to be selected as a reserve for the Western Conference All-Star team. He said after the Clippers' game Thursday in Denver he didn't believe the Lakers' Pau Gasol deserved to be on the team because he hasn't played enough games. Kaman went on to say he believed he deserved to be selected instead of Gasol and Andrew Bynum, the Lakers' 7-footers. Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy backed Kaman. "I don't think Gasol should be in it at all," Kaman said when he was asked if he would be disappointed if Gasol, who is the Lakers' starting power forward, moved to backup center for the All-Star game."
Kaman shows worth through his absence
January 20
Los Angeles Times
 
"Chris Kaman's value took a nice little upturn and kept on soaring last week. And he didn't have to do a thing. Soaring because of a sore back. Kaman missed four straight games -- the Clippers lost them all -- and they finally won when he returned to the lineup Monday. "Well, some people may look at it, 'Hey, it was New Jersey,' " teammate Marcus Camby said, joking about the Monday win, on Tuesday after practice. The Clippers (18-22) stopped the slide and are inching back toward the so-far elusive .500 mark. If they get there, or even come close, it could greatly enhance Kaman's All-Star chances. "Even around .500 is good. He showed his value a little bit by being out as well," Clippers"
Players clipped: Kaman questionable monday, Thornton game-time decision
January 18
Los Angeles Times
 (scroll down)
"Last Sunday, the Clippers beat Miami and, a day later, center Chris Kaman was named Western Conference player of the week. Kaman hasn't played since and it's no coincidence the Clippers haven't won a game in that stretch, dropping four straight. He remains questionable because of a sore lower back. Small forward Al Thornton, who has a sprained left ankle, did not play against Cleveland and will be considered a game-time decision against New Jersey."
Kaman receives promising MRI, believes he will play on Friday
January 14
Los Angeles Times
 (scroll down)
"Kaman, who was injured in pregame warmups in Memphis, said his back was feeling better and was reassured by an MRI test in New Orleans. He said he believes he may be able to play against the Lakers on Friday, but that could be optimism speaking."
Clippers' Kaman does his talking on the court
January 12
L.A. Daily News
 columnist Vincent Bonsignore
"Chris Kaman plops down on a chair at the Clippers' practice facility, wipes some sweat from his face, then shoots a suspicious look at the visitor standing in front of him. "So what brings you to this neck of the woods?" he asks. Kaman knows what's coming, and he isn't looking forward to it. He's going to have to talk about himself, and all the positive things going on as he continues the strongest start of his career. Frankly, a trip to the dentist is more appealing. It means he'll have to analyze the All-Star caliber season he has had thus far, nearly doubling his career scoring average while helping the Clippers become one of the surprise teams of the NBA's Western Conference. Truth is,"
Clippers turn it over, then around to beat Portland, 105-95
January 5
Los Angeles Times
 
"After the Clippers lost to injury-ravaged Portland last week, they got another chance only five days later. This time, the Clippers exploited the opportunity. Led by the offense of Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman, along with the defense of Marcus Camby, the Clippers beat the Trail Blazers, 105-95, Monday night at Staples Center. The victory in front of an announced crowd of 15,104 gave the Clippers (15-18) their first win of the new year, ended a string of four consecutive losses to Portland and gave the team a smidge of momentum heading into Wednesday's game against the Lakers. Gordon scored three points in the first half but came alive in the second, ending with 19. Kaman had 20. Camby,"
Chris Kaman's All-Star hopes may be tied to Clippers' performance
December 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"Ballot-Gate. No, it had nothing to do with hanging chads. That would have meant Clippers center Chris Kaman's name was actually on the West- ern Conference All-Star ballot. It never got there, surprisingly. Kaman wasn't surprised by the oversight. He knew he didn't play enough last season, just 31 games, and also noted that there were questions about his future and durability, and that there are "politics" involved in the process. "There's nothing I can do about it," he said after practice Tuesday. "There's a lot of good players. It's a tough thing to be an All-Star. You've got to make the right moves, a team has to win. "If I get there, I get there. If I don't, I don't. I don't fault"
Chris Kaman and Baron Davis are potent combo in 120-95 Clippers victory
December 17
Los Angeles Times
 
"Quarterback and wide receiver. Yin and yang. Actually, Baron Davis and Chris Kaman are more like the guys on one of those ubiquitous political shows on cable TV, talking over each other and even yelling. And, yes, keeping it worth watching . . . for better or worse. On Wednesday night, it was for the better. Kaman and Davis combined for 36 points in the Clippers' 120-95 rout of the Timberwolves at the Target Center. Of course, there were many more dimensions to the 25-point victory. The Clippers, who are 7-4 in their last 11 games, received balanced scoring and tightened up defensively when it mattered. Every Clippers starter finished in double figures, and Rasual Butler had 21 points"
Kaman identifies the source of his listlessness
December 8
Los Angeles Times
 
"Clippers center Chris Kaman had too much energy to sleep. But he didn't have enough energy to stay active and avoid lying around at home watching his DVD collection. Kaman had enough energy to remain on the team's active roster. But he didn't have enough energy to replicate the string of seven consecutive games earlier this season in which he scored at least 20 points. Kaman missed practice Nov. 12, but it wasn't until two weeks ago during a doctor's visit when he discovered why he felt listless: doctors diagnosed he was deficient in Vitamin D, which increases the flow of calcium into the bloodstream and helps prevent bones from becoming brittle. Kaman played all 20 games and will suit up"
Rookies look sharp, but Pistons lose 7th in row
November 28
Detroit Free Press
 
"Will Bynum provided plenty of spark, but the Pistons fell short of snapping their losing streak, falling to the Los Angeles Clippers, 104-96, at the Palace on Friday night. Detroit has now lost seven straight. Bynum scored 14 points and combined with rookies Jonas Jerebko (22 points) and Austin Daye (13) to light a fire under the Pistons early in the game, but the Clippers picked up steam in the final period and ran off with the win. Jerebko, who along with Daye started the game, crashed to the floor chasing the ball in the fourth quarter, but shook it off and showed he is a potential team leader. Rodney Stuckey scored 21 and Charlie Villanueva added 11, while veteran Ben Wallace, with 16"
Chris Kaman has a virus, not flu
November 13
Los Angeles Times
 
"Under doctor's orders, Chris Kaman stayed away from his teammates Thursday. Nothing against the Clippers' leading scorer, but that may have been the best call of the week. Kaman is suffering from a virus -- not flu, the team says -- and the last thing they need is for what he has to go spreading through the squad. It's not a good thing if their numbers continue to hover around 10 and 11 players, at practice, and especially with a three-game trip coming up, starting at Oklahoma City on Sunday. First, though, is tonight against Toronto. The Clippers are hopeful that Kaman will be back against the Raptors. Kaman, who had 20 points and 11 rebounds in Wednesday's loss to the Thunder, struggled"