The Los Angeles Lakers took out a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times on Thursday and penned an ode to Staples Center prior to the final game before their home venue since 1999 is renamed the Crypto.com Arena. The name change will formally go into effect on Christmas Day.

The poem reads:

There aren't many places that can make you feel,

How STAPLES Center has made you feel.

It's where shots became Big shots,

It's where a three-peat landed in Los Angeles,

Where a scorer's table was the perfect place for a celebration.

It's where streamers fall like rain,

And the staff knows your name.

It's where coaches have put it all on the line. And it's paid off.

It's where players show fans that they can believe in something.

And where fans show players that they believe in them.

STAPLES Center, the place we've called our home for 22 years.

Home to who the Lakers have become, with 18,997 of you by our side.

The name's changing, but this won't.

Because you've all made this place our home.

Our home for two decades.

And for decades to come.

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss reposted the tribute and added her own message:

Wonderful memories and history are not erased with a name change. Let’s use this opportunity to remember so many happy times (Phil, Shaq, Kobe teams from day one!!) and let’s plan on making many more. #LakersFamily

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MnJXNoLPxevYvf5sx6Jv4?si=a277338fd9164807

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The Lakers announced a list of festivities before and during Thursday's game vs. the San Antonio Spurs to commemorate the occasion, including:

  • A video tribute
  • A commemorative t-shirt and ticket for every fan
  • A halftime ceremony featuring several Lakers legends
  • The unveiling of a banner noting “22 Years of Lakers History at Staples Center”

In November, AEG — which owns the venue — announced a record-setting, 20-year, $700 million naming rights deal with Crypto.com, a cryptocurrency exchange.

The Lakers franchise has won six championships since moving to the arena in downtown Los Angeles.