Staples Center is one of the most iconic stadiums. It has served as the home for both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers for so many years. Unfortunately, the stadium is being renamed “Crypto.com Arena” starting December 25.
It is weird for both fans and players, who have gotten used to it since 1999. But with time things change and perhaps in the future fans will start following in love with the new name, who knows?
While fans might get used to it, it seems like Los Angeles Clippers superstar Paul George is in no mood to do it. Following the game against the San Antonio Spurs, George was asked about his thoughts on the name change in the post-game interview. PG revealed:
It’ll be weird. I grew up with this being Staples and Staples being the place to play.and the place to be. It’ll definitely be weird. It’s the same location but it’s kind of like stripping the history here by calling something else and from there going forward it’s like I guess a new history to be written but it’ll be weird, for sure. Good thing we [Clippers] won’t be here too long. We’ll be at our own place so it is what it is I guess.”
Paul George reacts to Staples Center's name change: "It'll be weird. I grew up with Staples Center being the place to play… It's kind of stripping history here… Good thing we won't be here too long." pic.twitter.com/Cl5Uyi5fZT
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) November 17, 2021
As George mentioned, the Clippers will not be here for long as they move to their own stadium in 2024. Regardless of that, it must be a weird feeling for someone like PG13 who has grown up watching the Lakers and the Clippers play at the stadium.
Another regret that fans would have is that they will never get to see the Clippers vs. Lakers battle at Staples Center now in the postseason. Even if the two teams meet against one another in the playoffs, it will be at Crypto.com Arena.
Apart from George, former Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma also reacted to Staples Center getting renamed. Kuz had a short and to the point reaction to this news as he simply tweeted. “Sheeshhh RIP @STAPLESCenter.”
Sheeshhh RIP @STAPLESCenter https://t.co/WycoWdpPkt
— kuz (@kylekuzma) November 17, 2021
In all honestly, the place of the stadium will remain the same, but it is not just about the location. It is about the history and the memories that are attached to it.
For example, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant spent almost his entire career at this stadium and gave fans numerous memorable moments!
