Los Angeles Lakers fans often draw plenty of criticism stemming from narratives that have formed about the environment at Crypto.com Arena.
But with the Lakers facing elimination against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, there was an inspiring presence felt from the fanbase even as the defending NBA champion came away victorious.
“I think when the season ends, there’s always, I would say a whirlwind of emotions. Certainly, feeling a sense of gratitude for our players, the Lakers, our fanbase,” head coach JJ Redick said after the 115-110 loss.
“Really liked that you’ve seen these 3-0 games before, and I thought there were two different times during the game where our team could’ve gave in, could’ve let go of the rope. We didn’t. I thought the crowd was awesome tonight. I’ve been part of these on both sides where it’s a 3-0, and you’re playing on the road, or you’re playing at home, and the crowd can just not be great.
“And the crowd was awesome tonight. Our fans are awesome.”
The Lakers withstood hot shooting by the Thunder at the outset of the game, a 17-0 run in the second quarter and turnovers in the third to take a lead into the final 12 minutes. It was the first time this season the Thunder trailed heading into the fourth quarter.
Ultimately the Lakers weren’t able to hang onto their slim lead but they remained competitive throughout and fans in attendance at Crypto.com Arena were boisterous the entire night. Some will point to get-in prices for Game 4 dropping to as low as $90.
The assumption was that made the game more accessible to the common fan, whereas Lakers playoff home games otherwise are known for drawing quite the celebrity crowd. Whatever the reason, as Redick noted, it can certainly be easy for fans to become dispirited when facing such a steep hill, and the Lakers nor their supporters allowed that to seep in.
JJ Redick credits Lakers
A dominant March that fueled championship aspirations was washed away April 2, when Luka Doncic suffered a left hamstring strain and Austin Reaves a left oblique strain. Reaves ultimately returned for six playoff games but Doncic revealed he was not yet close to getting back.
Their injuries were among the many challenges the Lakers needed to overcome throughout the season.
“This is my 17th year being part of an NBA team, and I’ve always loved it. Eery team I’ve been a part of, every team I’ve been on as a living organism, and I’ve maybe talked about this once before,” Redick began.
“During the course of a season, sometimes that organism is healthy and thriving, and sometimes that organism can get the flu and sometimes that organism can get really sick. And we experienced all of that this year. When the season ends, that organism is dead and that organism will never live again. I bring up the free agent thing.
“Sometimes you might have one or two of those guys, and we have half our team. I’m like a little white kid from the sticks in Virginia, and I get to do this. That’s why it’s emotional, because I care more than, I hate to say this about my family, but I care as much about this as anything.
“I love my wife and kids, but that’s why. I didn’t want our season to end. I wanted to keep this thing going. I enjoyed every bit of this year.”
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