Lakers Have 20th Best Team Name in NBA

April 3, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts after scoring a basket against the New Jersey Nets during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier today, Grantland’s Zach Lowe ranked every team’s name. Out of the 30 team names, the Los Angeles Lakers ranked as the 20th best. The Lakers were ahead of the Nets, Cavaliers, Bobcats, Suns, Magic, Raptors, Heat, Timberwolves, Thunder, and Nuggets.

"“The franchise began life as the Minneapolis Lakers, which made sense, because there are lakes — 10,000 of them, at least! — in Minnesota. The team decided to keep the name upon moving in 1960 to Los Angeles, which, according to extensive research, is not in fact known for an abundance of lakes.“Also: What is a “Laker”? The “-er” at the end would seem to indicate it is a person, in line with “player” or “dunker” or “hogger of the basketball late in close games.” You can’t make a mascot from this, which is why the Lakers have not done so.“The “Lake Show” is a fun sub-nickname, and there’s something noble about keeping the name of a team that won five rings in Minneapolis — even if the geographic connection vanished upon the move West.”"

Zach Lowe makes some good points. Los Angeles is not known for lakes, so why didn’t they change the name? Lowe also answered that question. The Lakers probably didn’t change their name because they had won five championships while they were in Minneapolis. It’s hard to change a name once a team has a history.

What do YOU think? Were the Lakers ranked too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know in the comments section down below!

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