Now would be the time to jump off the L.A. Lakers fan-wagon and join forces with the L.A. Clippers.
I could never plant a thought like this in my mind without the help of my hating, crass peers who are ready for me to jump ship. And it would make perfect sense to — to a phony.
From start to finish, it’s clearly been a rough season for my Lakers. One injury after the next, ending with an wounded superstar. One coach who took half the season to wake up. And one center who just couldn’t handle the pressure. While I have high hopes for next season, my biggest fear is the Clippers becoming the better NBA team in Los Angeles for another year.
Sheesh.
The Clippers have made some impressive moves, including drafting Reggie Bullock in the first round. Bullock, who grew up in Kinston, decided to have his draft party in the city. Some of his closest family members and friends sat next to him when he was selected 25th overall in June.
I was there, too.
As the L.A. chick, it was pretty awesome to watch “Reggie go Hollywood.” It clearly wasn’t because I’m a Clippers fan. It’s just exciting to see someone kick off their new life in my hometown, and what a better way to do than a guaranteed spot in Lob City?
All of my competitive basketball principles flew out the window that night. It was something special to see Bullock beaming after going pro. I spoke with Wells Gulledge, Reggie’s basketball coach when he played at Kinston High School all four years, the night of the draft. He said you could tell early on that Bullock had the possibility of getting drafted. Watching a guy who’s worked hard to achieve his dreams is incredible.
The day after the announcement, I even followed the Clippers on Twitter (and I was immediately ashamed following that decision). But I couldn’t help it. I may even tune into a few more Clippers games than I normally would, while I typically only watch when they play the Lakers or are in the NBA Playoffs — but that’s only been six times since I’ve been alive (1991-92, 1992-93, 1996-97, 2005-06, 2011-12 and 2012-13) and only twice since I actually paid attention to the Clips (2011-12, 2012-13) — and you can thank Chris Paul for that. They’ve never made it to the Western Conference Finals.
My Lakers, on the other hand, have only NOT made the playoffs twice since I’ve been born (1993-94 and 2004-05), winning five of their 17 titles since then. The franchise won the championship its first year of existence during the 1948-49 season with the then-Basketball Association of America.
When I was growing up, it was either Lakers town or Dodgers town. I’ve met two Clippers fans — ever — in my life. One is my best friend Gabby and one is this kid named James. I never understood how you can be a Clippers fan if you’re from L.A, but I have theories for both of these alleged “fans.” Gabby, I’m convinced, loves Blake Griffin’s hair and she had a crush on forward Elton Brand back in the day (can I say back in the day yet?), while James has an obsession for royal blue.
I don’t get how you can not root for the likes of the Kobe-Shaq Era coached by Phil Jackson. My goodness, those Clippers fans are insane.
I mean, when the Lakers moved to Los Angeles, we had a bit of a winning drought ourselves. Maybe it’s the Clips’ turn to pick up and start winning, which I think they very well can do. But I’m not worried about how good they’ll be this year, I’m only focused on how my team will rebuild after an appalling season.
I’m rooting for Reggie, I’m in his corner and I’m genuinely glad he’s going to play for the Clippers.
But we’ve got to get one thing straight: Lob City is a phase, but Showtime is forever.
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan