When the NBA’s 2011 playoffs started, I had little love for the Lakers in my heart. I appreciated their history, their rich tradition, and their role in the NBA, even as my envy produced a simultaneous loathing. I won’t catalog their laurels as is done in the tales of old because that is pointless; these things are known. The omission is not a slight; it is a compliment, hard as it is to say for someone as grumpy and impish as I can be.
To be quite plain: I want to thank the Lakers.
No, more than that: I want to thank all things Lakers.
I never thought this day would come, frankly. I have done my best to avoid Lakers games, though they were forced upon me at times. I’ve heard too many cheers for them in my seat in the Arena and seen us come up short (rightly) too many times. I’ve seen victories by the good guys, but I’d assume take the lot and flush them all away. At least, that’s how I felt.
So why the change of heart? I think the playoff series with L.A. was VERY fun, united Hornets fans in their darkest hours, and, possibly, saved NBA basketball in New Orleans as we know it, perhaps including keeping Chris Paul. Taken together, some expression of gratitude is the classy thing, if not a prescription of Xenia.
Going forward, I will take as given that these are our darkest hours as New Orleans Hornets fans, and it was darker than any other teams’ hours, even Cleveland’s last year. If you don’t know why, we’ll post some links.
The franchise-level effects will be hard to measure in some cases, as the basis for comparison is the road-not-taken, which is also a road-that-can’t-be-taken in our quaint corner of the multiverse. Epistemological limitations aside, I think it’s clear that by playing the Lakers, even in the late TV slots, we maximized our national exposure. Also, by splitting the first 4 games with L.A. to the surprise of most pundits, true experts, and casual fans, the Hornets were able to use that exposure beyond all reasonable expectation to generate some well-deserved respect. The circumstances around these victories, with David West being out and L.A. having won two straight titles, add to this.
The local fanbase was completely stoked and packed the Hive for 3 playoff games. Only of these was a victory, but that victory contained one of the top playoff performances in the space-time continuum. The fans were energized, and it has shown, among other places, where it counts: season tickets. The Hornets sold around 500 season tickets during the 6 games run, putting their total up around 8,000 at this point.
As far as the team is concerned, they got to focus completely on one of the best teams in the NBA (ever) with the most talented coach in NBA history, with the most legendary of active players, and see how they stacked up (without D West). The results, as mentioned above, were quite favorable. We saw what we could do, what we couldn’t do, and how the best go to work. This is exactly what the players needed. They needed to see that they could beat the Lakers in a game or two, that they could rise to the occasion, and that some very specific changes could launch them into contention for a title themselves . . . well, for some of them.
More abstractly, we are witnessing the end of an era in the NBA. It won’t have a sharp line, but the era is ending. Coach Jackson is leaving the game. After that, Kobe Bryant will worsen to great, then down to good. Either James and Wade will jockey for the title together while they form a new Showtime . . . maybe Starz? . . . or the CBA will end such things, and we’ll never see anything like the Lakers again. To be a part of that ending is an honor, even if we were only significant wall in the way of a legendary warrior on his way to his final battle when we were supposed to be a mere paving stone on his road.
Last, but not least, I had a blast. Not only were the games just fun, but we also threw great watch parties where we got to hang out with the wonderful people of Hornets247, Swarm and Sting, Hoopdat, At The Hive, and HornetsHype. Those watch parties, I believe, were the first real gatherings of crowds that large organized by the fans themselves for the expressed purpose of watching the Hornets on TV. I think that is important. I think that is the start of a new age of Hornets fandom.
We all now have some important memories involving former strangers. Holy Cow became a Bee Zany. We all recognize SuperHornets’ SuperCar. The Purple Hornet got us fired up more than anyone else when he was on the Arena’s screen leading the Bee-Fense chant because we broke bread . . . er, crust . . . with him. There were so many more personal moments and stories, I know.
We all cheered together. Some of us cussed together. Something more than having a good time happened, however, and it will continue to happen. It was the NBA version of the monolith appearing, bringing the tool-concept to the pre-humans. We are different now. We very subtly changed the world for Hornets fans, and the world, pesky little minx it is, changed us, too.
We even had a great exchange with silverscreenandroll. These sorts of interactions between fans of the opposing team among are the hidden treasures of the playoffs, and we got to share in that. Wonderful.
So . . . that’s all well and good, but why thank the Lakers? What did they do besides wear the jerseys some champions wore, and then beat us with the legends on the $90,000,000-player-payroll and who-knows-what-they’re-paid-coaching-staff?
I’ll tell you what they did. The put a bull’s eye on us. They aimed for us. They knew we were the best match for them, and that they could control the matchup if necessary. So they made all this possible by trying to sneak into the second round through some secret door in the Quarter. So this series didn’t just happen; L.A. chose it from the available options.
On top of that, Coach Jackson insulted us and our city many times, only adding to the villainous persona of Lakers, putting single face, voice, and message to the opponent. Nothing binds people like a common enemy, and nothing attracts a crowd like crowd. The Lakers provided those and more.
Thanks, L.A. You game me some great memories, and you just may have done enough good for basketball in this city to ensure a trip to the Big Easy every year. For that, I will always hold a little thanks in my heart.
Perhaps it’s fitting that a team from near the source of the Mississippi River, relocated to a city where the name has little real connection to the region, would perhaps give something back to a similarly-relocated team that needed a little pick-me-up in a city situated near the mouth of the Mississippi, where the waters that gave them both a name and life are inexorably drawn, providing much of the essence of a city so dear to so many in the world. The waters from Lake Itasca flow right by my house a few miles before they flow right by the Arena. There’s a beauty in that, a poetry in the coincidences of language and circumstances of history, at least for those who want there to be. I do, because I see the good that has been done.
I would like to close by saying I’d take you off the bottom of my list of teams-ordered-by-preference, but you were never there. I hate Dallas. Go L.A.? Yes . . . how it pains me . . . Go L.A.!
At the risk of sounding greedy or ungrateful: Help me 4 more times. Please.
25 responses to “How L.A. Helped LA”
Can’t do it, 42.
Lakers are below Dallas in my hierarchy, and nothing can change that. I appreciate the help, but I still hate them.
Example: Every time LSU would play Tulane in football, it becomes a big payday for Tulane. I appreciate it, but I still hate LSU.
Well done, 42. These entire playoffs have shown more than ever that small markets can make it in the NBA … I count six (SA, NO, OKC, Memphis, Indianapolis, and Portland) in the round of sixteen, over half the post-season qualifiers in the Western Conference … even before what we assume will be a new revenue sharing aspect to the CBA, which should make us all even more competitive. I disagree on one point though. I’ve come to loath the Lakers so much after our series that I’m actually rooting for Dirk and the Mavericks. I never thought I’d write those last eight words … never … but I just did. I’ll be pulling big time for whatever small market team faces either Dallas or LA though in the WC finals.
Today is Chris Paul’s birthday.
Good call. Big 26! Deeuuucccceeeee!
I can go with this one! If anyone remembers when NO was in OKC (sorry about the memory) I went on a rant on who much I hated Dallas.
Go LA!!!!!
Great article. Still pulling for Dallas though. My hatred for the Mavericks and Diggler is almost cancelled out by my respect for Tyson Chandler and Peja.
LA is done for.
It’s not only because I am German that I cant root for the Lakers in this series. LA stands for most of the bad things in this league and there is no way in hell I could cheer (even if only inwardly) for Bryant and Jackson. I may have been in favor of them had they gone up against the Heat, but only with a heavy heart, abd only because I like the Heat even less.
I also hate the lakers!!!! yes even more than Dallas. But there are soooo many laker bandwagon jerks!!! im tired of them being great every year! Then they may fall off for like 1 and 1/2 seasons then trade for a superstar ( probably for a kazoo or pack of stride gum…..sidenote: it does have flavor layers!) and boom they are back to contenders. Worst of all the hornets drafted Kobe!!!!I dont care how many years ago it was and i know we didnt know he would be that great, but AAAARRRGGGHH!!! On top of that my friends are all Lakers fans, who get to see their team win title after title while I get to see first round exits. I hope the new CBA includes a hard cap to bring more competition. That is all.
Phil Jackson retiring with a sweep. This is too good to be true! GO MAVS!!!
Well, well, well…who’da thunk this would ever happen?
As a long-distance Hornets and CP3 (not necessarily in that order) fan, I was thrilled by the two wins the Hornets (or rather CP3) managed to eke out against the Lakers in the 1st playoff round. Accordingly I am elated that the Mavericks are now 3-0 against LA in their 2nd playoff round. However, the Mavs’ destruction of the Lakers also shows in greater relief the shortcomings of the current Hornets line-up and its need of overhaul. I hope Dell Demps can pull off some trades to keep the Hornets in title (not just playoff) contention–and CP3 in New Orleans.
Off topic, but why are a couple of the hornets saying congrats to ariza on twitter? any news I missed?
I think it has to do with Tristan Ariza.
I think he was hidden in a uterus until today, so it’s understandable that we haven’t heard much about him.
http://www.hornets247.com/news/2011/05/07/cradle-to-grave/ (with a shoutout)
Nice post 42 and thanks for the shout out. I agree that the playoff series with the Lakers provided the opportunity for Hornets fans to unite behind our team and we did. I have to believe the Hornets were thrilled with the reports of the fan support at the Hornets247 watch parties. However, I must say that my sentiments run with the majority of the commenters above… I hate the Lakers and cannot under any circumstance see myself pulling for them. I also hate Flopper and the Mavericks but my hate for the Lakers is way more intense. (I was a Dr. J fan in the late 70s / early 80s so my dislike for the Lakers is a 30+ year commitment.) I thoroughly enjoyed watching Phil poke Gasol in the chest and the Lakers appear to completely come unglued and fall apart in game 3 against Dallas. I’m hoping for the brooms to be out in Dallas today. Go Mavs (throw up in mouth)!
I have to say I typically hate the Mavs the most, but I’m happy for Tyson and Peja and hope they beat the Lakers.
I appreciate the kind words on the post.
I hate Dallas. I hate them. You guys know how I feel about Peja and Tyson, after all, they are in `the print’. I don’t hate the players, and I don’t hate the game; I hate Dallas. I don’t hate the way they play, the team. I hate Dallas.
Maybe one day my feelings with change, but today I hate them.
The Lakers are pretty damned low on the list.
I hate Dallas but I hate Lakers more! 🙂
By the way, # of 3PT MADE by us against Lakers in 6 games: 24
# of 3PT MADE by Dallas in 4 games: 35 and counting
(Game 4, 5/5 for Jason Terry in the first half)
Can we get that perimeter threat in this off-season? I hope so…
End of the road for LAL, finally!…
Beat LA chants have turned to SWEEP LA chants in Dallas now…
Now, the whole world sees the real face of the LA Lakers! First, Odom got ejected and now Bynum! Bynum could have injured JJ Barea. This is why I hate Lakers. When they win even with the help of the refs, everything is juuuust fine, when they lose and got swept they just lost their composure. Poor Lakers. At least we lost with pride. Look at how they lose…
Here you go:
http://www.hornets247.com/news/2011/05/08/thursday-march-28-2011-some-thorns-have-roses/
Also, I don’t disagree with a word you say about the Lakers.
Take that as a measure of how much I hate Dallas.
very sad to see it end this way , Phil Jackson has been one of my favorite personalities in the game of basketball , certainly one of the most relate-able and in many ways he changed the way you coach the game. read sacred hoops and be glad we all got to see it.
the lakers never really appreciated phil the way the bulls players did , and it they really show’d it today , he deserves much much better.
Phil Jackson deserves noones sympathies. He got exactly what he deserved.
I am completely disgusted with how the Lakers finished that game. Bynum should get a big suspension and fine for what he did to Barea. Could have ended his career.
QUICK TRADE PROPOSAL:
Since Emeka will be difficult to move how about getting what’s available?
Emeka Okafor (4years 11,495,000mill) & Quincy Pondexter (4years 1,073,280mill)
for
Andris Biedrins (4years 9,000,000mill) & Dorrell Wright (3years 3,540,000mill)
F-West, F-Wright, C-Biedrins, G-Ariza, G-Paul
L_REAZY
We could do this trade before the lockout, and not lose money trade-wise since the dollars match-up.
Andris Biedrins is a 7-footer that the Warriors would consider trading since they play David Lee a lot at the Center position with their small-ball line-ups. Where else will the Hornets get a 7-footer in this league who can rebound and block shots like Biedrins?
I say we unload ‘Mek’ for ‘A.B.’!
L_REAZY