I WAS A LAKER SLAVE

When I first started blogging, I felt like the “Add New Post” button was an invitation to log discoveries made in the daily struggle. I got away from that though…started opting for other subjects, sometimes volatile other times patronizing. At any rate, I discovered something so superficial in myself when these 2010 NBA Playoffs moved along. I realized that not everyone is a Lakers fan. Wait…I knew that. I arrived to the valid conclusion that I’m an arrogant fan. It’s as if I’m on the payroll for the Los Angeles Lakers ‘reppin’ LA like some thug and expecting everyone else to do the same.

I meet California transplants who root for their home teams, natives who think Kobe ruined the franchise and ‘Anybody-but-them’  haters who loathe everything Lakers. I’m a salty fan, so I’ve realized, who has spent the better part of 34 years expecting sports enthusiasts to share my loyalty. I can’t imagine that they would feel the same way about the bumbs they root for. It’s a crying shame.

But I’ve grown up a tad in this June 2010 NBA Finals episode of Lakers vs. Celtics however. In the age of DVR I don’t always run to the television to watch the game live. I can watch the game with enemy combatants and acknowledge the value of their franchise player. And I don’t yell at the players, as much, for defensive let downs. Why should I? I’m just a fan, a constituent of AEG at best. I’m not a team consultant, a family member of a Laker Legend nor a season ticket holder. I’m a Churro eater and a fool who quietly envies that I have to pay to watch a game I love playing so much. I’m not sure my beloved hardwood heroes would have my back if someone said, “I hate 6ixth Man. I’m all about the 12th Man.” Fanhood is not a requited love by any stretch. Nevertheless, it is nice to have a champion in your city. I’m in rehab I suppose learning my true place as a citizen in the kingdom of fans ’round the world. That said, I’ll take a 2X if you’re doing Laker shirt orders.