Clippers' DeAndre Jordan, bound for the Olympics, earns raves from Team USA coaches: Not so long ago, DeAndre Jordan would have been angry at being left off the NBA All-Star team and his confidence might have been dented by what has become an annual snub. Not anymore, now that the Clippers center can say he’s an Olympian and will play for the U.S. in the Rio de Janeiro Games. “I think this is way bigger than any of that. I think making first team all-NBA is bigger than any of that,” said Jordan. -- Los Angeles Times

Young Clippers and Lakers players thrilled to be practicing against U.S. Olympic team: Forward Brice Johnson had his welcome-to-the-big-leagues moment before he even put on a Clippers uniform. Johnson, chosen 25th by the Clippers from North Carolina in this year’s NBA draft, is a member of the USA Basketball Select Team, which has been practicing and scrimmaging against the U.S. Olympic team this week. -- Los Angeles Times