I was raised into a basketball family. My whole family loves and breathes basketball. But, I wasn't just raised to be a fan of some random team. I was raised to be a fan of the best team of the world. Of course, one could say I'm biased by calling my team the best. However, thirty-one Western Division Conference titles and sixteen National Basketball Association (NBA) championships are not won by the undistinguished, and the mediocre. They are won by true blood champions who fight and prevail. My team is the Los Angeles Lakers.
The history of the team goes far back. The Lakers was actually founded in 1948. The new team began playing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, calling themselves the Minneapolis Lakers in honor of the state's nickname, "Land of 10,000 Lakes". The Lakers would later win five championships playing in Minnesota. During the end of the 1950's, the Minneapolis Lakers lost their key players, and they also suffered financial difficulties. Consequently, they had to move to Los Angeles. Years of hard work, disappointments, and drama on and off the field paid off. Eleven of the sixteen team championships would be later won in L.A.
The Lakers is one of the most distinguished team in the history of the NBA. They have had several legendary players that have played for the team. However, there is one player that I have come to love and adore when he plays the beautiful game of basketball. His name is Kobe Bryant. Kobe has been playing for the Lakers ever since he was seventeen. He was drafted as the thirteenth pick of the first round by the Charlotte Hornets. However, the Lakers traded a player for the draft picks rights for Kobe. Being seventeen at the time, his parents had to sign all his legal documentations. By 1999, Kobe Bryant was already a champion. Up until today, Kobe Bryant has had five championships with the Lakers.
Just like every team in the world, you always have to win some, and lose some. Sticking up for a team, however good or bad the season, is a true statement to a fan's loyalty. Last year, my favorite player was severely injured, and my favorite coach left the Lakers. Ever since then, my team has not been the stellar team that it is capable of. However, this does not sway my loyalty. I still love my Lakers, and I still love my Kobe. It takes a real fan adore and support a team even when it doesn't meet the high expectations that every fan wants to see. Still, I know one day that my team will be great again.
The history of the team goes far back. The Lakers was actually founded in 1948. The new team began playing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, calling themselves the Minneapolis Lakers in honor of the state's nickname, "Land of 10,000 Lakes". The Lakers would later win five championships playing in Minnesota. During the end of the 1950's, the Minneapolis Lakers lost their key players, and they also suffered financial difficulties. Consequently, they had to move to Los Angeles. Years of hard work, disappointments, and drama on and off the field paid off. Eleven of the sixteen team championships would be later won in L.A.
The Lakers is one of the most distinguished team in the history of the NBA. They have had several legendary players that have played for the team. However, there is one player that I have come to love and adore when he plays the beautiful game of basketball. His name is Kobe Bryant. Kobe has been playing for the Lakers ever since he was seventeen. He was drafted as the thirteenth pick of the first round by the Charlotte Hornets. However, the Lakers traded a player for the draft picks rights for Kobe. Being seventeen at the time, his parents had to sign all his legal documentations. By 1999, Kobe Bryant was already a champion. Up until today, Kobe Bryant has had five championships with the Lakers.
Just like every team in the world, you always have to win some, and lose some. Sticking up for a team, however good or bad the season, is a true statement to a fan's loyalty. Last year, my favorite player was severely injured, and my favorite coach left the Lakers. Ever since then, my team has not been the stellar team that it is capable of. However, this does not sway my loyalty. I still love my Lakers, and I still love my Kobe. It takes a real fan adore and support a team even when it doesn't meet the high expectations that every fan wants to see. Still, I know one day that my team will be great again.