Serious question. Why do you all hate the Lakers so much? I've been a Laker fan since childhood. I have never known anything but the Laker fandom. I have shared the story, and I will share it again.
I would always go to a Clippers game (the other LA team) when I was a kid because that was all we could afford (back then, tickets were around $3 dollars – if my memory serves me LOL.) But once in a while, my grandmother was able to pick up some “nosebleeds” at the Great Western Forum to watch the Los Angeles Lakers. I remember the experience as if it was yesterday. She loved the Lakers so much that her children were a distant second to her “Showtime Lakers” – and as a result, I now bleed purple and gold. I have been a genuine fan since I was a kid in the 80's. The Lakers are the most famous and most celebrated sports franchises in the world. (Boston Celtics fans would disagree, but please sit down! This conversation is about greatness, and you don’t belong here.)
WHERE WAS I? Oh yes – I was explaining that winning was a part of my childhood. Learning to be great and a winner was taught early on as a Lakers fan. In fact, I think I'm AMAZING because of the example the Lakers set forth. I don’t know what it's like to suffer for long periods of time. Our decade without a championship was brutal, but I – and other Lakers fans – endured. It was a long 10 years. But we did it. We preserved. And with the great Lebron James, order has been restored. (I don't want to hear shit about the bubble and why the chip doesn't count… SIT DOWN!)
The constant hate for the Lakers is at an all time high as we get ready to embark on another season. Ever since Lebron James signed with the Lakers, he has pissed off every opposing player, team and owner in the league. Most people have a love–and–hate relationship with him. I know I did. I hated him simply because he was great…and not a Laker. Now it's even more rewarding to know that he's great and a Laker!
Today was media day and Twitter was ruthless with the jokes.
The hate is palpable – which is why I know yall are SCARED. It's okay to resort to name calling and whatever else makes the haters feel comfortable nowadays. In fact, and I'll be honest, I have my reservations about the team we've assembled. I think we have some great players, but can they evolve? Will there be chemistry? Can they stay healthy? But then, I remember – we have the great Laker himself: LEBRON JAMES!
(Love to my main man, Kobe Bryant. Rest easy, KB and Gigi!)
Every year, I hear that Lebron is missing a step, falling off, or not as good. And it’s not true. SO PLEASE STOP IT. Can we – at least – let the season begin before we tell him to retire? Can he be a human and have one or two bad games without being criticized? NOOO. It seems like we’re asking too much because yall love to HATE US. Honestly, if y’all didn't, I would be concerned. Hate is an indication that we are doing something correctly. So keep your AARP jokes and your Metamucil sponsorship taglines for when it really matters. I'm predicting another ‘chip’ this season with our vintage team of leaders and Hall of Famers!
And in the wise words of my grandmother, who is still alive and the biggest Laker fan I know: ‘Y’all can catch us at the parade!”
“The game's in the refrigerator, the door's closed, the light's out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard and the jello's jiggling." – Chick Hearn
HATERRRS!
