NBA

Lakers will call Staples Center home for the next 20 years

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Jan 7, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Patrons ice skate at LA Live plaza outside of the Staples Center before a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers will call Staples Center home for the next 20 years. The team reached an agreement on an extension with Anschutz Entertainment Group to stay at Staples Center until 2041.

The Lakers have been playing at the arena since 1999. The team has put up six championship banners since they began playing in the arena.

The Lakers are currently in a playoff series with the Phoenix and are returning home to play game three on Thursday night. It has been 2,952 days since the Lakers last hosted a playoff game in Los Angeles. The Lakers will have approximately 7,500 fans in attendance for game three.

Lakers Wanted Fans at Staples Center

Feb 26, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers championship banners from the 1971-72, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1984-85, 1986-87, 1987-88, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons on display at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles played last postseason in the Orlando Bubble due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team finally welcomed back fans in April for a game against the Boston Celtics.

The Lakers also waited until fans were allowed back in the arena to reveal its 2020 championship banner. Los Angeles unveiled the banner before a 124-122 victory against the Houston Rockets on May 12.

Staples Center has seen some of the greatest moments in NBA history. Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game, Bryant’s lob to Shaquille O’Neal in the Western Conference Finals, and Robert Horry’s game-winner against the Sacramento Kings.

By the time 2041 comes around, the Lakers will have been in that arena for over forty years.

This will be the first real home playoff game for Lebron James in a Laker uniform. In fact, it will be his first home playoff game since the 2018 playoffs when he was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James was one of the biggest advocates on waiting to unveil the championship banner. He loves the fans and the energy they bring.

The Lakers will call Staples Center their home for the next twenty years and will look to add another banner before this season is over. Game three takes place Thursday between the Suns and Lakers.

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