:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56929797/842081118.0.jpg)
The Los Angeles Lakers are playing their first preseason game since drafting Lonzo Ball, so yes, it’s a big Saturday night for the franchise.
The preseason opener is in Anaheim at the Honda Center, one of the usual exhibition venues for the purple and gold. That makes for a smaller, more intimate, arena setting compared to to a night in STAPLES Center. That also makes things, like Lakers fans lining up to meet and welcome LaVar Ball to our basketball family, possible.
See for yourself:
LONG line of fans to take a photo with LaVar Ball. #Lakers pic.twitter.com/nLr5kSnPHA
— Craig Kwasniewski (@CTKwasniewski) October 1, 2017
In 33 years of being involved with the NBA...I have never seen a line to shake the hand of the father an NBA player. #BigBallerBrand pic.twitter.com/pSUmyklrhF
— Jim Petersen (@JimPeteHoops) October 1, 2017
The line to meet LaVar Ball at the Honda Center. pic.twitter.com/wHDFVDtXPe
— Andrew Martinez (@IamDrewInLA) October 1, 2017
Is it absolutely crazy? Sure. On the other hand, with how much hope is being placed on Lonzo being the key to a Lakers revival, it’s not surprising so many want to shake his father’s hand while welcoming them to the purple and gold family.
Still, mostly crazy, and this is something I expect we’ll see plenty of all season.