The NBA had one small caveat to add for the Lakers’ upcoming in-season tournament semifinal matchup against the Pelicans: No black uniforms.
Los Angeles won’t be allowed to wear their black alternative “city edition” uniforms on Thursday due to the league’s concerns over “the visual contrast” between the uniforms and the in-season court design at T-Mobile Arena in Nevada, according to ESPN.
Instead, the Lakers will wear their gold “icon” uniforms. The Pelicans will wear their white “association” uniforms.
The league’s recent mandate was met with disappointment from at least one Lakers player, who responded to the change with two words: “That’s a—.”
Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers are 4—0 when wearing black this season, having just beaten the Suns, 106—103, in their city edition uniforms on Tuesday. One could understand why the Lakers would be extra motivated to bring back the black for superstitious reasons, but they’ll have to settle with a gold ensemble in Vegas.
The Lakers will face the Pelicans at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday.
