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| Lakers black jersey |
The jersey’s front features the word “Lakers” and the jersey number in purple with gold trim. The back features the player’s name in block purple letters, and both the name and numbers are in purple with gold trim. The jersey also features purple and gold trim running down the sides. The shorts are a direct match to the top: black with purple and gold trim on the side.
“This has been a few years in the process of introducing a black Lakers uniform,” Lakers executive Jeanie Buss said in a video posted to Lakers.com. “In no way will it ever replace the purple and gold traditional uniform that have seen so many championships won. I think the gold is going to pop out on a black uniform and having the purple letters says it all. It’s all Lakers. Hollywood is also a really hard-working town. That’s the major industry of this city and it’s the heartbeat. Hollywood Nights is a tribute to all those people.”
A statement from the team noted that the new look was the result of fan feedback and reiterated Buss’ two themes: that the jerseys are a supplementary look, not a replacement for the traditional designs, and that the name of the jerseys pays homage to L.A.’s entertainment industry.
The organization has consistently heard from fans that a black uniform was desired, and have been working to make that a reality for years. The Lakers have a long history and philosophy of listening to fans, and as a public trust are in the business of serving fan interest, from colors of uniforms up to the ultimate goal of winning championships.
The purple and gold uniforms will forever be the staple for the Lakers, with the black ones adding what the Lakers hope to be a cool alternative. The Hollywood Nights theme in part acknowledges the celebrities like Jack Nicholson that have long supported the team, but also serves as a nod to the huge number of people that work behind the scenes to make up one of L.A.’s biggest industries.
ESPNLA.com reported in August that the design is one of multiple new jerseys the Lakers will use during the 2013-14 season.
The Lakers will wear short-sleeve jerseys next season in “several” games, according to a team source. The jerseys will be white, the same color as the alternative uniforms the Lakers introduced for the 2002-03 season and traditionally wear on Sundays.
The Lakers will also be adding a black jersey to their uniform rotation next season, according to a league source. The alternative uniform will be part of the league’s city pride series, joining the Detroit Pistons’ upcoming “Motor City” uniforms and the Portland Trail Blazers’ “Rip City” set, but unlike the others, it will still say “Lakers” across the chest. The lettering and numerals will appear in purple with gold outlines and the rest of the jersey material will be primarily black, with some gold accents, the source said.
The Lakers posted a teaser video on Twitter showing glimpses of the black jerseys earlier this summer. The team previously unveiled white jerseys during the 2002-03 season.
L.A. is set to open training camp on Sept. 28. Their preseason opener is slated for Oct. 5 against the Warriors in Ontario, CA., and their regular season opener will take place on Oct. 29 against the crosstown Clippers.