Mar 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) tries to defend during the first quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 94-83. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
After the Lakers heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves to begin this season, an uncomfortable reality settled back into fans minds.
There is no denying the fact that this season is going to be a rough one for Lakers fans. This is year two of being a bottom feeder, and to nobody’s surprise, it’s not a good feeling. It didn’t help that many Laker icons went overboard with their predictions for this season.
For example, Kobe Bryant stated back in August that the Lakers would “absolutely” make the playoffs this season. Kareem Abdul-Jabaar added on to Bryant’s bold prediction, telling Sirius XM NBA radio the Lakers “will surprise people in a positive way” and expected them to make the playoffs.
Fans bought into the hype and were ready to move on from the Lakers worst record in franchise history. Fans were disappointed when the Lakers couldn’t land any free agents last summer, but were given hope when the Lakers drafted D’Angelo Russell, a sign perceived as the Lakers embracing change and figuring out the new NBA.
Personally, it also doesn’t help that I go to college with so many Golden State Warriors fans, a team that has been denied the sweetness of winning for so long, and now their fans are going crazy on a sugar high. Teams like the Warriors used to be easy victories for the Lakers and Lakers fans were eager to cheer for a team that could once again compete with them, among other winning NBA squads.
Despite high hopes, that has not been the case. With that in mind, here’s a helpful guide for difficult season ahead and tips on how to still back the Purple & Gold with pride.
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