Beefed-up LA Clippers seek NBA splash

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The much-improved Los Angeles Clippers say they're looking to steal the spotlight during the NBA's season-opening slate of Christmas Day contests.

The perennial Western Division doormats obtained all-star guard Chris Paul, drafted veteran Chauncey Billups and used other moves to suddenly become the talk of the league as the NBA plays for the first time in six months following its lengthy lockout.

The Clippers will play at Golden State Sunday, the last of a five-game Christmas marathon.

Paul's signing was the biggest news, but the Clippers -- who finished 32-50 last season -- also obtained Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman and Al-Farouq Aminu while matching a four-year, $43.2 million offer sheet for center DeAndre Jordan.

"We have to take it a step at a time and be smart about the progress, smart about the development and smart about guys coming together with the chemistry," head Coach Vinny del Negro told the Orange County Register. "But no doubt, things are going to change, perception wise."

"It's brought a much bigger spotlight," added last year's team MVP Blake Griffin. "But at the same time, it's whew. You can breathe a little more? Yeah, I can. Chris is used to it; Chauncey's obviously used to it."