Oct 18, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Images of Los Angeles Clippers players hang in the rafters covering all banners belonging to the Los Angeles Lakers. Los Angeles Clippers play the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier this weekend, the Clippers pulled one of the more Clipper-esque moves in recent memory when they announced they were going to cover up the Lakers title banners.
The Lakers were none too pleased with the move, with Nick Young being most vocal.
"“He can do that?” Young said after Lakers practice Sunday, the team’s first since returning from China. “For real? That’s disrespectful. We got to talk to Doc. He can’t have that. We got to do something about that.” “That’s a lot of pull y’all are giving Doc,” Young said, somewhat facetiously. “I think he shouldn’t come in and have so much pull like that. He’s got to earn his keep.”"
While Young was disrespected and upset about the move, Steve Nash added a more sensible and realistic approach the situation while offering a similar assessment.
"“I guess if you were in the Clippers’ organization you probably want to do that, too,” Lakers point guard Steve Nash said. “It’s their arena on their night, so I would try to make it feel like home.”"
The Lakers open their regular season with a game against the Clippers, one that will surely be filled with typical LA drama. With the increase in tension among the two teams, expect more than the normal amount of fireworks opening night.