Having seen NBA action since young, especially during play-off season, when TCS5 broadcast the games live at 9am, since we live on the other side of the world. But it is a real enjoyment, seeing gravity-defying jumps and stunts. Back-then, it is the Chicago Bulls, with Michael Jordan.
Say Kobe Bryant now and you immediately think of LA Lakers!! Yap, he is the hottest star in NBA right now, and people are chanting MVP whenever he is in court. And we are going to see him in action at Staples Center against the NY Knicks... Staples is the home ground for the Lakers. Always go past Staples when we go to Downtown LA, but never go inside... :)
But today, we finally get the chance to see the NBA stars in action, and experience why American basketball is the best in the world... So happy!!!
Drive early to downtown, and park at the lot nearby for $6. Consider quite reasonable, since the lots across Staples costs $20. You can buy a NBA ticket with $20! Time to walk around, since we arrive early...
Staples is also home of the LA Clippers (another NBA team), and LA Kings (NHL). So it is always packed with games or events...
Gammy's music award on Feb10 at the Staples
Ritz Carlton is building a new hotel just opposite the Staples, and a new entertainment center (Nokia Theatre) has just finish its building works, and its powerful skylights are shooting up into the sky every night. The downtown skyline is definitely changing...
Beautiful boards at Ritz...
We have to eat dinner first, since the game is on 730pm. And it has to be CPK, California Pizza Kitchen, in LA, California... of course :)
Nice Jambalaya pasta,
& the original BBQ chicken pizza...
The weather is cold and very windy today, the cold just seeps through your sleeves and makes you chill...
the newest kid on the block... Nokia Theater
Once we are inside the Staples, full of people and gift stores and NBA merchandise. We end up buying the #24 singlet, Brownie's yellow and Winnie's pink... That is Kobe's number...
Taking escalator up to the upper section for our seats...
We went through these metal detectors when we first came in through Staples...
Lakers and Knicks warming up for the match... They shoot really well, any angle, any distance away...
It is time to welcome the Lakers into the arena,
& the US national anthem,
& it's game time!!
The Lakers' Girls...
Half-time entertainment by the Lakers' Girls again...
A lucky audience get the chance to win a great cash prize, if she can get a 3-point basket from the center of the court!! But she can't, not even from the 3-point line. Too bad :)
Jack Nicholson, somewhere in this arena as well...
Points are tight in the second half, as both teams fight hard for every point. The audience get tense-up whenever Knicks attack, and chant "DEFENSE!!" Definitely a great atmosphere to be in...
But finally, Lakers managed to pull away and stay ahead to win the game at 120-109... Great game, we love it :)
Lakers being interviewed after the game...
This is Kobe... #24
The fans are cheering on the players outside Staples, too many fans, cannot squeeze in...
We at home, still dreaming of the game :p
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