Back on the Lakers Bandwagon
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In 1984, I first joined Lakers fandom. As a native Los Angeleno, I claim an inalienable right to root for the team (unlike transplants into L.A. or out-of-staters or San Diegans who adopt the team for their own) — but I admit I have strayed. I followed the Lakers obsessively through the Showtime era and still miss the days of Magic, Worthy, Kareem, Byron, Cooper, Rambis et al. I suffered through the woeful transition days of Van Exel and Vlade. And I rejoiced during the glory three-peat days of Shaq & Kobe.
Then, during the unfortunate incident in Colorado coupled with the despicable, incessant feuding between Kobe & Shaq in the 2003-2004 season, I became disenfranchised, completely abandoning the team, not knowing when I would return. Wanting so badly for Kobe to be the next MJ, I couldn’t get over my disappointment in Kobe. I loved Shaq’s physical dominance but hated what I perceive to be his laziness. He could have been the best center ever had he MJ or Kobe’s work ethic. I stopped watching the Lakers altogether, and only had a vague knowledge of what was transpiring in the NBA.
Of course, I hate to be labeled a fair-weather fan and hope that my 18 years of avid Lakers fandom offsets the recent three-year hiatus, but what I love about the Lakers has returned, and I have returned as a fan with it. The Lakers are back to working hard, they’re back to striving for excellence, they’re back to their winning ways, they’re back to entertaining us fans.
Even if this isn’t their year, and I think it very well could be, I’m even more excited about the future. This team doesn’t have the multiple superstars of years past, but it’s by far the deepest top-to-bottom Lakers team I’ve seen in over 20 years. Even if Ariza and Bynum sit out the playoffs, NEXT year is going to be a season to behold. The sheer potential is staggering.
The playoffs start next weekend, and I can’t wait!
