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The Los Angeles Lakers have produced legends and Hall of Famers who changed the landscape of the NBA. One of the most influential Lakers personalities was longtime announcer and commentator Chick Hearn. Hearn's statements and words earned the famous catchphrase, “Chickisms,” and this video posted by a Redditor by the username of WhenMachinesCry is a great example.
Legendary announcer Chick Hearn being a boss in Hawaii, 1966.
byu/WhenMachinesCry innba
Hearn was regarded by the Lakeshow as more than just an announcer for the team. He was popularly known for coining basketball phrases and terms that we still use today.
In an article tribute by NBA.com for the Lakers legend, Hearn's influence on the team was described by this statement:
“More than an announcer, Chick embodied the spirit and determination that have made the Los Angeles Lakers champions nine times over. The Lakers lone play-by-play voice since the team moved to Los Angeles prior to the 1960-61 season, Chick was the Lakers for the better part of four decades.”
Hearn was a consistent part of the Lakers commentary panel until he passed away on Aug. 5, 2002, due to a traumatic brain injury.
Even in his old age, Hearn still called games for the Lakers.
“Hearn called a record 3,338 consecutive Lakers games starting in 1965 before missing a game because he had to have an operation in December 2001 for a blocked aortic valve.”
Hearn was able to experience first-hand every memorable game that the Lakeshow played in that four-decade span. From the likes of Lakers legends Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson to early 2000s superstars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'neal, Hearn saw it all.
