LA Lakers React To Clippers Covering Their Banners At Staples Center; Nash Is Classy, Nick Young Says It’s Disrespectful
When asked about their reactions, the players of the LA Lakers were diverse. Some were calm, but some were rabid.
Nick Young was once an LA Clipper, but he grew up in LA as a Laker fan: "We got to talk to Doc. He can't have that. We have to do something about that. That's a lot of pull ya'll are giving Doc. He shouldn't come and have that much pull. He should come and earn his keep."
The Clippers had their practice for their Friday home game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center which is also home for the Lakers . Banners of Jamal Crawford, Blake Griffin, J.J. Redick, DeAndre Jordan, Jared Dudley, Chris Paul and Matt Barnes are featured on the same side where the Lakers' banners were hung.
When they pointed out that Rivers did win an NBA title in 2008, though with the Boston Celtics against the Lakers: "But he didn't win no title in L.A. That's where it's at. Look at all these banners in here. You can't shadow those up."
Steve Nash and Pau Gasol were more understanding, even sympathetic.
Steve Nas said: "If you were on the Clippers organization, you'd probably want to do that too. It's their arena on those nights. I would try to make it feel like home."
Pau Gasol: "I understand they can't be overshadowed too much by what's happened in the past in the history of our franchise. They have to worry about their own. They have a good group of players and have high expectations for the season. They have to worry about their business. Maybe that's distracting to them so that's fine as long as they stay there where they belong."
Lakers coach Mike D"Antoni was trying to be a voice of reason, and keeping his mind on the task at hand: "I can understand why he wants to do that. That's cool. There's nothing wrong with that. It's their court at that time. I probably wouldn't have Lakers stuff around if it was my court. I don't blame him. That's just the way it is."
It's not supposed to be a rallying point? "We already have so much fuel to add," D'Antoni said. "We have our own things to worry about." (Quotes from insidesocal.com)
