Our L.A. team has officially announced that come 2022-23 NBA season, they are changing their iconic purple and gold uniforms to blue, in line with the Crypto.com logo. This is the first time a uniform change has happened to the team since the 1960’s. This decision stems from the new contract agreement between the basketball franchise and the Crypto.com Arena.
The downtown Los Angeles venue has been home to the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Sparks for years—and very recently went under a name change and new ownership. Formerly Staples Center, now Crypto Arena was a deal made by the Singapore cryptocurrency exchange and AEG. According to reports, this new venue ownership has caused quite a few changes—which include the Lakers’ legendary jerseys.
22 Years of Lakers History at STAPLES Center. pic.twitter.com/st0h570eBM
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 23, 2021
Some die-hard fans may already know this piece of basketball history, but the Lakers have changed their uniform in the past. The Lakers originate from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and initially rocked yellow and baby blue. Once they made their move to Los Angeles during the 1960–61 NBA season, they swapped their jerseys for the purple and gold we love and know. For decades they have worn these iconic colors, which is why this news comes as such a shock.
This announcement has already upset several fans and has led many of them to share their grievances online. Some users on Twitter pointed out the blue color is very similar to that of the Clippers. “I don’t want to be confused for a Clippers fan.” shared a fan on the social media network. Other Angelenos clapped back by stating the Clippers don’t count as a real NBA team anyway.
We contacted Lakers owner Jeanie Buss for immediate comment on this uniform debacle.
She wanted us to share with our readers, “APRIL FOOLS!”
Our legendary team colors aren’t going anywhere. Unfortunately for you Clippers fans, no jokes here. You’ll still be living in our shadow. Talk to us when you win 17 championships—or any championships for that matter. Sorry, not sorry!