In 22 years, I have never been a “fan” of any sports team in any league until the start of this year’s NBA playoffs. Actually, I still don’t think I can be considered a fan of any one team, but I do consider myself a fan of instigating conflict.
Let’s be honest, we’re in California, meaning when it comes to the NBA we’re supposed to be a fan of one of four teams — the Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, or Kings. Actually, if you really break it down, only two teams from California that really matter from a fan’s perspective. And since the Warriors haven’t been to the playoffs since 2007, I’m going to go ahead and focus on the Lakers.
It’s no secret that the Lakers are an absolute powerhouse when it comes to basketball. They’ve won 15 championships in franchise history, and no one would be smart to challenge the skill or talent this year’s team brings to the court.
That being said, I would like to question some of the Lakers fans here at UCSB. I cannot even begin to describe how annoying the fans of the Lakeshow can get, particularly if they happen to be watching the game at Giovanni’s Pizza.
When normal people watch a basketball game, they tend to get rowdy when someone on their side hits a huge three or throws down a dunk with no mercy. But there’s a big difference between that reality and the one where a douchebag in a yellow headband and industry-standard Kobe jersey goes nuts over Lamar Odom hitting a pair of free throws in the first quarter. For Christ sake, they’re free throws. The pros are expected to make them, so shut the hell up. And that was just the beginning.
My now-undying hatred for Lakers fans has driven me and my roommate to make custom bandwagon shirts in support of the Suns. I’m not saying that I’m anywhere near a die-hard Phoenix fan, but these Laker fans at Gio’s have pushed me toward the orange and purple.
I’ve ranted long enough, so let me get around to my main purpose in writing this article. I want any and all fans who are against the Lakers, or even those who share my frustration and just want to piss off their over-the-top goons, to show up to Gio’s tonight at 5:30 p.m. and rally for Steve Nash and friends. Wear any jersey you want, as long as it’s not a Lakers jersey, and get loud as the Suns gun for the series lead.
I can already sense Laker fans reading this article and thinking to themselves, “this guy is just a hater, Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA and anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong.” Trust me, I’m not a Lakers hater, just a hater of the world’s most unathletic kids making unnecessary scenes in public. And over what? Two hits from the charity stripe? Please.
In about two weeks, I think I’m going to go ahead and jump on the Celtics bandwagon once the Finals come around, but in the mean time, Suns, baby, Suns! Don’t forget. It’s tonight at Gio’s, 5:30 p.m. Be there.
Who’s the more annoying fan – the guy who cheers every point from their team in a crucial conference final or the guy who decides to troll and bandwagon just to piss other people off? Believe it or not, that’s what fans do when your team’s that close to the title – get enthusiastic. You know, I noticed the fans at Phoenix cheering after every Sun’s free-throw too – wow, what douchebags. Maybe one day when your team, whichever it is (or whichever bandwagon you stick to), has a legit chance of getting the title, you’ll understand how every possession… Read more »
After reading your article, I have even less respect for you. I remember you from Gio’s, and at first I commended you for showing support for what I thought was your home team, it turns out your just another cheese-dick Laker hater. The fact that you call me out for supporting my team with enthusiasm is nonsense. Its called passion, and I have way too much of it, something you apparently know nothing about. After living in Phoenix for about five years and being a Laker fan, watching them kick us out of the first round two years in a… Read more »
I think the editor missed a crucial part of he/she calls “douhcebag in a yellow headband.” Cheering for FT’s in the 1st quarter? Who cares? Look I won’t hide the fact I am a die hard Kings fan, however, one of my best friends is a die hard Lakers fan. We can respect each other because we can discuss the game intelligently, and can talk about the history of each franchise. Some of the Lakers fans in IV or Southern California however know nothing about their team. They put flags on their cars, or rock a Kobe jersey, but do… Read more »
I just would like to say, all 6 foot 7 inches of Sasha Vujacic was able to maintain poise to come up with a clutch 3 when things seamed to fall apart for the Lakers in the 4th; and furthermore he lost the headband tonight so your comment about him is debunk! Jamall Wilkes (FROM! UCLA; FROM! Santa Barbara High; FROM! Dropping off his son Omar (FROM! CAL) right in front of our apartment) Fans all around, especially so called Laker “fanatics”, do your homework on your team and the game in particular, so when you come in contact with… Read more »
* Jamaal Wilkes – I am the douchebag!
>Implying it won’t be a Magic – Suns final
So how was Gio’s last night anyway, eh Sports Editor? I think a follow-up story is definitely in order.