Lakers News: Jimmy Goldstein Explains Why He’s ‘Anti-Lakers’

Los Angeles Lakers v Oklahoma City Thunder- Game Two

Jimmy Goldstein moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s and began to attend all the Los Angeles Lakers games. For nearly five decades, he has become one of the most recognizable figures in the NBA and can be found sitting courtside watching the Lakers at Staples Center.

Many naturally assume that Goldstein is a Lakers fan, but unfortunately, the always fashionable basketball fanatic is not. In a column for NBA.com, Goldstein explains why he roots against the Lakers.

—–Check out the Lakers Nation store to get your LN gear and show off your Lakers pride!——

According to Goldstein, he cheers for underdogs, and the Lakers simply win too much:

“I usually pull for the underdog in any sports competition, and the Lakers were getting to The Finals or wining championships far too often for me. I like it when a different team becomes a title contender each year.”

Another reason why Goldstein doesn’t cheer for the Lakers is because the franchise has always been able to attract so many superstars:

“I didn’t like it that the Lakers were able to attract so many superstars away from other teams. I like level competition, and the Lakers upset league balance with players like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and many others leaving their teams to live in Los Angeles.”

Most will wonder why Goldstein attends Lakers game if he’s rooting against them, but it’s simply for the love of the game. However, the Lakers players and coaches have responded differently to Goldstein. Most remain friendly with him, but Kobe Bryant has even instructed one of his teammates not to speak to him. It’s not surprising coming from Bryant, but it’s all in good fun.

Goldstein’s reasons behind rooting against the Lakers also serve as compliments. The Lakers are undeniably the greatest franchise in the NBA and have continually shown through the decades their willingness to win championships. When one team always finds a way to win by any means necessary, it creates animosity among fans. It also doesn’t hurt that they play in Los Angeles.

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Check out the top 5 Lakers Finals moments and don’t forget to subscribe to our Lakers Nation YouTube Channel!

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Jordan Hill Won’t Re-Sign If Given Same Role With Lakers

[new_royalslider id=”134″] Now that some of the Lakers injuries are beginning to…

Russell Westbrook Hopes Lakers Can Build Momentum Into New Year Off Hawks Victory

All of the attention will go to LeBron James following his unbelievable 47-point performance on his 38th birthday…

Chris Bosh on Dwight Howard: ‘It’s Nothing I Haven’t Seen’

Coming into the 2012-13 NBA season, the Miami Heat are the reigning…

Lakers News: Austin Reaves Calls For ‘Next Man Up’ Mentality With LeBron James Out

Even though LeBron James was ruled out for the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Lakers should have been…