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Los Angeles • Doc Rivers is staying with the Los Angeles Clippers for another five years.
In Steve Ballmer's first big move since taking over as the team's new owner last week, he has locked in Rivers through the 2019 season.
Ballmer said Wednesday it was one of his top priorities to ensure that Rivers remains as the long-term leader of the team. Rivers was a stabilizing force for the franchise during the upheaval created by former owner Donald Sterling's racist remarks that led to his ouster after 33 years of ownership.
Rivers joined the team in June 2013 and added president of basketball operations to his responsibilities two months ago.
He guided the Clippers to the best record in franchise history at 57-25 and a second straight Pacific Division title last season.