With this year’s NBA season going on, there is plenty of entertainment to find as a Lakers fan. If this, however, is not enough for you, then we have some suggestions on what to do to get that extra excitement.
1. December 25th: The Game
The annual Christmas games are always enjoyable to watch. This year, the Lakers went up against the Brooklyn Nets for a friendly holiday play through the annual NBA Christmas Games series. This year, the match ended with a defeat for the Lakers with a final score of 115-122.
The series, which has been held every year since 1947, is a way to honor both players and fans. For Lakers fans these games are particularly special, as the late Lakers giant Kobe Bryant participated in the Christmas games more than any other NBA player, appearing 16 times.
We recommend re-watching some of the old Christmas games to relive the era of Christmas-themed uniforms, and to watch some of your favorite classic players.
2. Betting and Casino: Up The Stakes
Basketball is one of the most popular gambling games, so why not place a bet or challenge your friends and family to basketball-themed casino games? There are plenty of hoop-themed slot games, such as Basketball Star, Slam Dunk, and Basketbull to name a few.
Many of the games can be played either against the machine or live against other players. Click the link to find these games at the top NZ online casinos.
3. Podcasts: Get Down and Nerdy
A great way to get immersed in the beauty of the sport is by listening to professionals and analytics who provide deeper insight into the players and the game. Podcasts are a great way to get your daily dose of the Lakers when they are not playing.
There is of course the official Lakers Nation Podcast, which focuses specifically on the fate of the LA Lakers. For a wider and more historic perspective, you can turn to the Bill Simmons Podcast. This is the most long-running NBA podcast there is, and Simmons is the unofficial highest-profile NBA historian.
For a more player-based podcast, head over to All The Smoke, which features discussion between former NBA players and champions Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. Through this podcast you receive deeper understanding of the player mentality and attitudes, which may explain changes in team cohesion better than any other reporting.
4. Buying Lakers merchandise
Perhaps you’re looking for gifts for a friend, family member, or even yourself. What better way than to gift something Laker-based? Head over to the official NBA Lakers online shop to find official merchandise such as banners, jerseys, or accessories. If that seems a little too pricey, you can also find Lakers ornaments or fan-merch on other online stores.
5. Watch a Lakers documentary
If you want to know more about the Lakers long and fruitful history. Why not get an HBO subscription for the upcoming LA Lakers series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty? The drama follows the origin story of the team, starting with the drafting of Earvin “Magic” Johnson in 1979. A perfect gift for someone that you want to spend more time with, or for the passionate history-supporter. The series is set to air in March of 2022.
