Lakers & Pacers Barred From Wearing Black Uniforms In Las Vegas

At least one player on the Los Angeles Lakers is frustrated that the NBA is barring the team from wearing their black City Edition uniforms during the final games of the In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas. The league claims that the uniforms create a concerning contrast with the red and blue court that will be used in the T-Mobile Arena.

“That’s a–,” the unnamed Lakers player reportedly said after the announcement.

The Lakers are undefeated in the four games they’ve played in their City Edition uniforms and most recently wore them in a 106-103 win over the Suns on December 5 to advance in the tournament. It makes sense that Los Angeles is superstitious ahead of a semifinal matchup against the Pelicans, but LeBron James and company will have to make do in their primary yellow uniforms.

Los Angeles is not the only team facing uniform restrictions, as the Pacers have also been barred from wearing their black City Edition uniforms in their semifinal game against the Bucks. Indiana has won all five games in which the team has worn them and is winless in three games with the gold alternates players will wear instead.

Though uniform restrictions have been met with several minor criticisms from players and fans, the first rendition of the In-Season Tournament has been largely successful. Players have praised the format, ratings are reportedly up and some arenas have enjoyed playoff-like atmospheres early in the regular season.

“NBA basketball has never been more fun in November and early December than it has been this year,” Stan Van Gundy said on a Pelicans-Kings broadcast Monday night. “And I’m not sure it’s ever been more intense. I mean, these guys want these games.”

For reaching the semifinals, every player on the Lakers, Pelicans, Bucks and Pacers are guaranteed to receive $100,000. Players on the runner-up team will receive $200,000 each, while champions will receive $500,000 each.