Few things are as synonymous with Los Angeles as its hometown basketball team, the Los Angeles Lakers. They’re right up there with sunny skies, palm trees, and Hollywood celebrities. And it’s not hard to see why: as of 2012, Forbes estimates the the Lakers are valued at $900 million, the most for any team in the league. That’s an almost $1 billion franchise that brings fans of the team and the game alike from all around the nation to root for a team that has won 16 championships.
Why the Lakers Are Special
The Los Angeles Lakers are special for many reasons, but the one that comes to mind first for their millions of fans is the fact that the team not only knows how to play a fine game of basketball, but also knows how to put on a spectacle of athletic ability and showmanship, creating a feat of competitive entertainment unlike anything else imaginable. From the heydays of Magic Johnson to the recent reign of Kobe Bryant, watching the Lakers live enables fans to see the finest athletes in the world push the game of basketball beyond its known boundaries. How else can you explain a team that has produced legendary names like Wilt Chamberlain, Karl Malone, and Kareen Abdul-Jabbar?
Part of what makes the Lakers such a unique team is that they are undoubtedly blessed with a roster of star players that exude charisma and have a larger-than-life quality that naturally invites fans to adore them. Some of the team’s most famous players, like Shaquille O’Neal, are literally larger than life at 7’1”. Stories about his rivalry with Kobe Bryant and the way in which these two teammates and competitors managed to carry the team to a string of championships in the last decade are the stuff of legend. Indeed, after Michael Jordan’s reign with the Chicago Bulls, it’s safe to say that no other championship team has been so linked to its success as the Los Angeles Lakers have to Kobe Bryant. Clearly, another dynasty is underway.
Dining Hotspots for Los Angeles Lakers Fans
All the excitement of a Lakers game can definitely rev up your appetite. Thankfully, there is no shortage of eateries in and around the Staples Center. Fans can certainly buy concessions style snacks while enjoying the game from the comfort of their seats, but those who want to splurge a bit should definitely try the Sam Manuel Club which features an impressive buffet. For just $40 per person, guests can enjoy all-they-can-eat portions of tri-tip steak, roasted chicken and turkey, salmon, endless salads, and even a cocktail. The restaurant is located inside the Staples Center, which means that getting a table can be a tricky proposition without a reservation. Be prepared to wait if you don’t have one, but once you’re in, you can eat to your basketball-loving heart’s content.
If you want more upscale fare, there’s the world famous The Palm to delight your taste buds, located just two blocks from the Staples Center. It’s downtown’s most celebrated eatery for those who crave comfort in a classy atmosphere. The dress code is casual, which is perfect for fans on their way out of a Lakers game who want to enjoy the city’s best steak and an amazing selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails that are the perfect way to cap an evening spent experiencing the magic of the Los Angeles Lakers
For those who want to skip dinner and go straight for drinks after the game, there is no shortage of bars downtown right around the Staples Center. Some of the most popular places to enjoy a cool one after the big game include Big Wangs, Salvage Bar & Lounge, Casey’s Irish Pub, and Library Bar. For those who want to enjoy highlights of the game while partaking in the largest selection of draft beer in the city, there are Yard House and ESPN Zone located less than half a mile away from the stadium. Many of these bars also feature a whole host of tantalizing desserts if you feel like just enjoying drinks with a bit of sweet – though we have to agree that few things are as sweet as watching the Los Angeles Lakers live at Staples Center.
