Since2003, the Los Angeles Lakers have occasionally bared their white uniforms to battle, most notably on Sunday games and Christmas Day.
The white jerseys were designed by Jeannie Buss, symbolizing a tribute to the late Laker's PAannouncer, Chick Hearn.
Los Angeles'white uniforms make the Lakersone of the fewNBA franchises to have alternate jerseys for home games.
Initially, the white uniformswere met with mixed emotions, as even Phil Jackson expressed his disapproval of the white alternates after a game in 2006. (Jacksonliterally stated that the Lakers looked like little elves and fairies)
However in 2009, most of the NBA fans have seemed to embrace the white uniforms.
It's been well noted that the Lakers have the best selling jerseys in basketball, while Kobe Bryant's jersey is still, the singlebest selling item within the NBA.
The white uniforms account for around 35 percent of the shares, as in 2009 the white uniforms actually outsold the Laker's away jerseys. (Just look at all the white jerseys that dominate Staples Center, compared to the purple aways)
Imagine if the Lakers introduced an alternateblack jersey, to occasionally wear on "big time" road games.
How intimidating would the Lakers be marching into T.D. Banknorth Garden with a dominating black, trimmed with traditional purple and gold?
With strong talks of the Celtics introducing a new alternate jersey for home, (one that would be similar in designto their alternate away uniforms) nothing would be better for the Lakers than to introducea new black jersey. (No design or print changed whatsoever)
Now many "traditionalists" are probably screaming their lungs out right now, but remember it's not a complete jersey overhaul.
The Lakers' away purple jerseys would still dominate for much of the season, but a touch of black here and there would not hurt.
Again to those traditionalists, the Lakers have changed the design of their jerseys five times since moving to L.A.
Most would agree that those changes have ultimately made the Lakers' uniforms better.
Change isindeed good.
As we head into the next decade, a fresh,blackalternate jersey for the Lakers would do wonders.
Besides, just how good does the black, purple, and gold look?
As a dedicated NBA enthusiast and sports analyst with a profound understanding of the league's history, branding, and jersey dynamics, I've closely followed the evolution of NBA team uniforms, including the Los Angeles Lakers. My knowledge spans through the team's various uniform iterations, branding strategies, and the impact of alternate jerseys on fan engagement and merchandise sales.
The Los Angeles Lakers, a storied franchise with a rich legacy, have indeed introduced alternate jerseys, notably their white uniforms, which debuted in 2003. These jerseys, conceptualized by Jeannie Buss, hold significant symbolism paying tribute to the late Lakers' PA announcer, Chick Hearn. Initially, the white uniforms were met with a blend of reactions, even drawing criticism from then-coach Phil Jackson, who likened the team's appearance to "little elves and fairies."
However, over time, these jerseys gained acceptance and popularity among fans. By 2009, the white uniforms became a significant contributor to the Lakers' merchandise sales, accounting for approximately 35 percent of jersey shares and outselling the team's traditional away purple jerseys.
Kobe Bryant's jersey remains an iconic best-selling item in the NBA, further emphasizing the Lakers' immense popularity in terms of merchandise. The discussion about introducing a new alternate black jersey for "big time" road games echoes the team's willingness to explore new designs while maintaining its classic purple and gold identity.
The proposal for a black jersey with traditional purple and gold accents aims to add a bold touch to the Lakers' uniform collection without entirely overhauling the existing design. It's noteworthy that the Lakers have undergone uniform changes in the past, evolving their look while preserving the essence of their iconic brand.
As the NBA continues to evolve and engage fans through innovative branding strategies, the prospect of introducing a black alternate jersey aligns with the notion that change can invigorate and modernize a team's identity without compromising its heritage. The addition of a black jersey could usher the Lakers into a new era while respecting their historic color scheme and visual identity.
In summary, the concepts discussed in the article encompass the history of the Lakers' uniform evolution, the introduction and acceptance of the white alternate jerseys, the impact of merchandise sales (especially Kobe Bryant's jersey), the potential introduction of a black alternate jersey, and the balance between tradition and modernization in sports branding and uniform design.
