SPECIAL: Visit to the Lakers Practice Facility (2/13/13)

Tonight I got the chance to visit the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo.  Their D-league affiliate the LA D'fenders were playing against the Reno Bighorns.  I was interested in seeing the game, but more interested in seeing the practice facility as that is where the D'fenders play their games.

Championship banners and retired jerseys greet you as you walk through the doors.  Meanwhile multiple championship trophies shine from above the court through the window in general manager Mitch Kupchak's office.  The weight of it all is very intimidating.  For a fan like me it was almost surreal.

So there I was standing in the middle of the gym where so many players I've admired honed their craft with blood, sweat, and tears.  And the strange thing was in spite of the awesomeness it felt like home.  The gym is really no bigger than your standard high school gymnasium.  Practice equipment was tucked away neatly into a corner, but still visible. We were greeted by a gentleman who took some time to get to know us, and even walked us over to the court (you have to walk through the LA Kings practice rinks first).  They even had a grilled cheese food truck outside with fair food prices.  It was a reminder of the fact that no matter how much of a "big deal" the Lakers' organization is, they are still very much a family owned business.

The best part about the night was getting to see the 3-Peat trophies.  I have so many fond memories of those teams.  Game 7 against the Blazers.  Game 7 against the Kings.  Horry's 3 off of the Divac tip.  Frobe throwing down 360s. Shaq eating the opposing big man alive for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  And last but not least, the greatest playoff run in NBA history: the '00-'01 15-1 run.  Those memories are just priceless.

I hope this current Lakers' squad can fight through the adversity, and come away with one of the above when it's all said and done.  I believe they can.  No matter what, they've got fan for life in me.  Go Lakers!!!

BTW the D'fenders won 115-89 ;)