(Full disclosure: I am a die hard Lakers fan. I have been for as long as I can remember and always will be. This being said, and I hope my previous post was evidence of this, I have no problem being objective and criticizing the teams I love, in this case, the purple and gold.)
PRE-GAME
As we took our seats during warm-ups we were greeted with the blaring of hip-hop music, as is the case with most NBA games these days. The only difference is that the Clippers have employed the services of a hype man. For the uninformed, a hype man's essential purpose is to get the crowed excited, in this case for the upcoming game. They essentially interrupt the music being played to say things like "get ready", "here we go", and other random quotes that really just annoy those listening. If you'd like an example, just turn on any hip-hop radio station after 9 p.m. Anyway, DJ Dense (his actual name) carried on until the buzzer sounded, calling out people in the stands, trying his best to create a buzz. Unfortunately, people seemed more interested in texting and facebook updating.
Like the Clippers, you're normally greeted at a Lakers game with an array of hip-hop, but mixed in is the familiar sound of the L.A. Laker Band, a brass band that has been a mainstay at games forever. No hype man is needed when you hear a live, horn infused version of Cameo's "Word Up". Live music creates its own buzz, and to the Lakers credit, have stuck with them for years and years.
EDGE: LAKERS
PRE-GAME MONTAGE
The home team introductions usually are preceded by a highlight infused montage on the Jumbotron of the players to excite the home crowd and get them to a fever pitch before the ball is tipped. The Clippers are no different. However, their montage consisted of some highlights from preseason games versus the Lakers and the dunkfest put on by Blake Griffin against the Knicks last season. This is a clear reminder that despite their offseason acquisitions, they are still the Clippers.
The Lakers introduction is a production. Sheets are draped from the Jumbotron and highlights from previous championship celebrations, former players, along with current player highlights are displayed in a Hollywood type display. As a casual fan it is quite the production. As a Laker fan it is chill inducing.
EDGE: LAKERS
PLAYER INTERACTION
It always interests me in attending games to see how the players interact with each other. Putting together a team of individuals with different backgrounds and personalities is always difficult, as you never know how they will mesh with one another. In this regard, the Clippers are a joy to watch. They all seem to be having a great time, laughing and joking with one another. And why not? They are playing a game, and keeping it fun and loose is a great way to approach any such contest. The rituals that they have prior to game time was also very entertaining to watch. Chris Paul has to fist bump everyone, including coaches and staff, before tipoff. Reggie Evans goes down the bench slapping palms with every player. Mo Williams must slap hands with everyone twice (OCD?) before making his way onto the court. Even during the game they continue on in this same way. At one point when Chauncey Billups, an excellent free throw shooter, missed the first of two shots, Mo Williams goes up to him, grabs his hand, and slaps it like a mother scolding a toddler. This was a hilarious moment, and one that is indicative of the true joy they have playing with each other.
The Lakers approach the games more business oriented. They take on the view of their leader, Kobe Bryant, who, to put it mildly, is not exactly loose to begin a game. There are no smiles and no laughing during pre-game. Kobe's teammates seem to be in fear of upsetting him, and lately this carries onto the floor.
EDGE: CLIPPERS
CHEERLEADERS
Every team in the league now a days employs a troupe of dancers to perform at halftime and during timeouts. The Clippers, being no different, have the "Clippers Spirit", which has to be one of the worst names in all of sports. While I have watch about 15 minutes of "Dancing with the Stars" thanks to my girlfriend, I don't think that makes me an expert on choreography, so I won't touch that. But in addition to the "Spirit", the Clippers also trot out a group of tumblers to rah it up and make human pyramids. Because nothing says NBA entertainment like a pudgy 30 something holding up a petite girl with one hand.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have the "Laker Girls". Enough said.
EDGE: LAKERS
FANS
Celebrities
As with anything in L.A., it's about being seen. As such, our NBA franchises are judged by the celebrity fans they attract. Will the Clippers new found relevency draw A listers to a nationally televised game? The answer is, not so much. The Clippers biggest fan is probably Billy Crystal. He showed up late wearing a very douchey beret, and politely watched the game, nodding every so often when the Clippers did something good. And as my brother pointed out, he's a Clipper fan and a Yankee fan, so his sports loyalty is obviously a bit confusing. The other "relevant" Clipper fan is Frankie Muniz. From what I saw he was not in attendance, but lets be honest, who's seen that guy since his shitty TV show went off the air? It's entirely possible he was there and has just grown into an awkward looking twink like Macaulay Culkin. I could have walked by him and not even noticed. Or maybe he was the one who sold me a beer. I don't know. Also gracing Staples Center with their presence was part of the Kardashian clan, Kim, Khloe, and their mom, Kris. It's hard to determine what drove them to attend and sit courtside, the fact that Lamar Odom was playing (so far he's kept his maiden name) or the fact it was a chance to be seen on national television. Whatever the reason, I do have to give Khloe some credit. While the other two where gabbing it up the entire game with other people, Khloe was intently watching the game, cheering on her husband. I will now go punch myself repeatedly in the face for complimenting a Kardashian.
Notable Laker fans: Leonardo DiCaprio, Andy Garcia, Diane Cannon, Denzel Washington, and, of course, Jack.
EDGE: LAKERS
Common
This is where I was most curious to see the change in "Clipper Nation" from last year to this one. It goes without saying that there would be a large crowd as opposed to the half empty stadium they drew last year. But how would the fans react? Has their basketball IQ grown higher? Would the new bandwagon fans change the crowd dynamic? As the game began the Clipper fans were very subdued. It remained eerily quiet throughout, reminiscent of previous years, as one person yelling something could be heard throughout Staples. A fire was finally lit under their asses after Randy Foye threw a beautiful lob to Blake Griffin who nearly hit his elbow on the rim. They came back to earth until the time that everyone attending a game is eagerly anticipating: FREE T-SHIRTS!!! I never understood the lure of obtaining a shirt plastered with a sponsor that's shitty quality at best. But man the crowds go crazy. Even Laker fans. Although glaringly absent was the weapon of choice for this demonstration, the t-shirt cannon. Did Chris Paul's contract force Donald Sterling to cut back on this? Or was it the attorney fees for his ever increasing discrimination lawsuits that caused the team to depend on the strength and accuracy of the arms of the "Clipper Spirit" and the drill team? The fans did finally get woken up as Dallas made a late run and actually took the lead with 5 seconds left. They stood and cheered and were into it at that point. This was a pleasant surprise from previous years, and a good sign of things to come in "Clipper Nation". They also mercilessly booed the Kardashian's when they were shown on the Jumbotron, the ladies facial expressions clearly showing disdain for the fans and their reaction to their presence. The Clipper fans will have a small place in my heart for this.
Laker fans have often been criticized for a wide variety of reasons. From arriving to games late, to dressing as if you are going to a club or to an award show, Laker games are seen by outsiders as more events then mere sporting events. People go to be seen rather than root for the Lakers. While there are some who this holds true, this is overall a false perception. Laker fans are very knowledgable about the game, and while they are not wild and crazy throughout like those fans in Portland or Oklahoma City, they know circumstances and respond accordingly. Whether its to boost the team when they are slumping, or chanting "DEFENSE" at the top of their lungs when an important stop in needed, the Laker crowd responds. Bucking another myth, they stay until the end of the game, thanks in large part to the greatest closer on the planet, Kobe Bryant. They are always in the game as long as he is breathing, and Laker fans know this. They are an underrated bunch, but a group that knows their basketball, timing, and place during the game.
EDGE: LAKERS
Clearly, and not surprisingly, the Clippers have a way to go to match the spectacle and show that is put on game in and game out by the Lakers. The Buss' know that attending a game isn't just about what is on the court, but the entire experience, and cater to this. The Clippers are learning, like any younger brother, and may get there with time. But for my money, nothing compares to witnessing the full pageantry of a Lakers game, unless you like watching repetitive high screen and rolls with Blake Griffin catching the ball too far way from the basket (sorry Clipper fans, I couldn't resist).
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