Oh yes, even Kobe has one.

No, I am not writing about the Lakers’ victory today.  But in these weeks leading up to these games, Los Angeles has been speckled with Lakers flags.  You can’t drive anywhere without seeing them!  You know what I’m talking about.  Those little flags that flutter in the wind as cars drive, barely hanging on for dear life as the wind whips them into ragged pieces of cloth.  They’re super annoying for reasons I can’t seem to pinpoint, but admit it, you think so too.  As an avid Lakers fan, I’m sure you wouldn’t admit though, would you?

Then I heard there were riots going on after Tuesday’s game?  What insanity.  Today everyone left for work early, leaving me all alone because they had to rush home to catch this momentous match-up.  Oh, and of course they spent the day figuring out how to bet to win the most money!  I am amazed at the level of obsession fans have.  It’s really quite interesting to observe, so long as it doesn’t get dangerous.  I made sure to stay home tonight lest there were trouble on the streets, from elated Lakers fans or bitter Celtics fans.  At least summer has come and most students have moved out of the area for this week to be at home before summer school or internships start.  We got some loud honking and rowdy behavior, but nothing too bad.

Seriously though, what is it about the Lakers that makes Angelenos go wild?  Maybe it’s just because I don’t connect with the city the way that I do my school.  I can imagine being that excited if UCLA basketball or football won a championship.  But the Lakers?  Though purple is my favorite color and they do have Jordan Farmar, it’s just not enough to get me to join in the wild celebrations.  I wouldn’t mind so much if those annoying flags weren’t a part of the picture…  By the way, click on the picture to see the source and read the article that comes with it – you’ll find another gem of a picture there.