The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to raise a banner for winning the NBA’s In-Season Tournament has sparked mixed reactions among fans. The ceremony took place before the game against the New York Knicks, and while some fans celebrated the unique achievement, others viewed it as an unconventional move for a franchise accustomed to hanging banners solely for championships.
The skepticism within the organization was evident, given the Lakers’ history of only raising banners for NBA championships, excluding division or conference titles. The In-Season Tournament banner, however, features a distinct design with a black base, yellow text, and accents, differentiating it from traditional championship banners. The banner prominently displays the NBA Cup and the year 2023, commemorating the Lakers as the inaugural winners of the tournament.
One fan called this an all-time troll job by the Lakers.
This is one of the all time great troll job by the Lakers. Fair play. pic.twitter.com/6ub4yVwxen
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 19, 2023
A second fan said that he was embarrassed.
I’m embarrassed
— Street Clothes 🧢 (@LeCap623) December 19, 2023
A third fan said it was very disrespectful to hang this next to the championship banners.
That is so disrespectful to hang that next to real championship banners.
— BullsKickAss (@Bullskickass) December 19, 2023
A fourth fan said that Kobe Bryant would be shaking his head in disappointment right now.
I know Kobe looking down shaking his head rn 🤣
— Kyle Obst (@Kyle_Obst47) December 19, 2023
A fifth fan said this would have been funny if the Clippers had won it.
Would’ve been funny if the clippers won it
— JC (@jcwrld05) December 19, 2023
A sixth fan said that the banner’s value is evident as they hang it next to the mini banners and not the championship banners.
hung them shits next to the Minny banners lmao, shows you how much the Lakers actually cared
— Mari (@ohhhthatsMari) December 19, 2023
The Lakers’ triumph in the tournament was marked by a flawless 7-0 record, with stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the team. Both players were honored as part of the All-Tournament team, further highlighting their contributions to the Lakers’ success in the competition. The banner, with its sleek and clean design, represents a departure from the usual championship banners but serves as a testament to the team’s accomplishment in the In-Season Tournament.
As the Lakers aim to defend their title in future In-Season Tournaments, the plan is to add subsequent years to the existing banner rather than unveil new ones. While the NBA Cup may not hold the same weight as a traditional championship, the Lakers’ motivation to win the tournament was evident throughout, showcasing a commitment to excellence.
The debate about the significance of the In-Season Tournament and the decision to raise a banner for it adds an intriguing layer to the Lakers’ storied history and fan reactions.
The Lakers Were Wrong To Hang In-Season Banner
The decision by the Los Angeles Lakers to hang an In-Season Tournament banner has stirred controversy, with many arguing that it goes against the storied franchise’s tradition and legacy. The Lakers, known for their unparalleled success and championship culture, have a longstanding tradition of only raising banners for NBA championships, disregarding division or conference titles.
Kobe Bryant, a Lakers legend and one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history emphasized the significance of championship banners. He once expressed that the Lakers don’t hang banners for anything less than championships. This sentiment reflects the team’s commitment to excellence and the pursuit of the ultimate goal in professional basketball.
The timing of the decision to raise the In-Season Tournament banner adds another layer of complexity, occurring on the sixth anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s jersey retirement. Kobe, who epitomized the Lakers’ championship mentality, left an indelible mark on the franchise, emphasizing the importance of titles above all else.
For many Lakers fans and basketball purists, the In-Season Tournament banner seems out of place within the Lakers’ storied arena. The franchise’s identity has been forged through its championship successes, and any deviation from that singular focus on titles can be perceived as a departure from tradition.
While other teams may celebrate various achievements, the Lakers have set themselves apart by prioritizing championships above all. The decision to hang an In-Season Tournament banner challenges this established norm and has sparked a debate about whether such recognition is fitting for a team with the Lakers’ legacy. To some, it feels like a departure from the core values that define the Lakers as a premier NBA franchise.
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