I have been to 5 or 6 King's v. Laker's games at Arco Arena over the years but last night they could have re-named the place Staple's Center North. The Laker fans truly took over the place. Let me reiterate for any that are in doubt I changed teams when I had my season tickets with BIG Drew back in '96 when the King's SUCKED but you had to root for THE only team in town. I am a SACTOWN KING'S FAN 100%. Years ago I sold or gave away my Laker's gear. One item was a sweet framed autograph SI cover from my man D-latz. Couldn't sell that so I sent it out to Iowa for Footloose the Laker fan to enjoy. I think I also gave Footloose the sweet Russian Laker dolls my momz picked up in Russia. I just can't have that stuff in my house! This is SACTOWN! I think some people at Staples... errrr... I mean Arco need to check themselves! They need a good ol' dose of reminding that they live in SAC not LA. This is the great state of NorCal... is it not?
Ok, so it all started at the opening introductions. Each Laker got a MUCH bigger cheer than the visiting team normally does. When they introduced Kobe it was a huge mix of boos and applause. Overall the arena was about as loud as I have heard it in years. It was a very fun atmosphere and the game was great... for 42 minutes. Unfortunately they play 48 minutes in the NBA.
Throughout the game there were loud "Laker fans" throughout the arena. There were two guys in front of us, not together, with Kobe shirts, there was a young lady behind me constantly saying "go LA" and similar things, and all in all it was a sea of yellow inside of Arco.
My emotions of annoyance were double. First I was bothered that here in SACTOWN we would let the "enemy" fan take over the arena like that. Second I was bothered, because my LA roots were wondering, how many of these "Laker fans" are from LA and how many are just bandwagoners? You know, the kid growing up who rooted for the Cowboy's, the Yankee's and the 76ers. Unless you have some connection to the place you really shouldn't be rooting for them. I spent 18 fine years in LA so I could be, if I wanted to be, a Laker's fan (NO, I will NEVER jump on that bandwagon). I just wonder how many of these Laker fans have even been to LA? Sure they know Magic and Kareem (I assume?) but do they know the long list of other HOF'ers who have played for the Laker's? Mikan, Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Worthy and whoever else I am forgetting. Did they root for Don Ford? Do they remember when Vlade was a rookie? Kurt Rambis' glasses? That Mitch Kupchack played for the team? That HOF'er Bob McAdoo played for the Laker's at the end of his career? If you hear the term "Club Ced" do you think I mis-spoke about the all you can drink vacation destination? If they hear the term "popcorn machine" do they think of something you might eat or something that might be sad during a "simulcast" by the late great Chick Hearn? I could go on. I do NOT like the Laker's one bit but I really feel strongly that the vast majority of "Laker fans" in Arco last night are nothing more than front running band wagoners!
Like this guy in front of us who stood up EVERY time Kobe made a good play... and, unfortunately, there were many the last 6 minutes. See how he exactly blocks the basket from where I was sitting? What a jerk! He stood just at the second that I would miss, or be partially blocked, from watching the 360 dunk and other moves Kobe put on the King's. I am a sports fan so I wanted to see... even if MY team was the victim. I just found this guy annoying as I will bet you ten cents he has NEVER lived in LA. He just looks like a punk to me the way he stood and extended his arms out to the side, slightly above his head, with 2 fingers pointing out (but not in any kind of gang sign, just two fingers), and looking around like he did something. Look dude, you are a punk, you have never lived in LA, I GUARANTEE this 40 year old can beat your ass in basketball, so why don't you go back to Woodland or wherever you are from and stay there!?
Toward the end the chants of "MVP, MVP, MVP" were almost deafening as Kobe stood at the free throw line. YES, really. It was so sad. Deafening chants of MVP for Kobe. Oh have times changed at Arco!
Of course I left early because that is part of my LA roots that I will not let go of. Why sit in traffic in the parking lot when I can be on the freeway listening to Chick Hearn... I mean Grant Napier.
peace out.
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