For the first time in more than a year, fans are now allowed to watch the Los Angeles Lakers play in Staples Center. In a sweet coincidence, the first game that fans are going to witness is with the Lakers' archrivals, the Boston Celtics.
Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times caught the first sight of fans entering Staples Center for the first time in 13 months. To recall, the NBA suspended its season in March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The season eventually resumed in July but in the Orlando bubble.
A scene not seen in 13 months: Fans are entering Staples Center… pic.twitter.com/q8uAXvduJI
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) April 16, 2021
It was definitely an odd feeling for players to play without anyone in the stands. Sure, they've played high-level basketball in the past with no one watching except their coaches. But hearing hundreds and thousands of people cheer for you (or boo you if you're on the road) sure is an irreplaceable experience.
The Lakers organization marked the return of the fans by posting an old highlight clip of the Lakers-Celtics duel. Of course, they chose the alley-oop slam from fan-favorite Alex Caruso.
Lakers-Celtics. Fans in the building. It's Game Day. pic.twitter.com/08BpOmyEVj
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 15, 2021
Staples Center, too, unveiled the sign that not only announced the game but also made sure to include the return of the fans.
We have waited over a year to put these words on the marquee…WELCOME BACK FANS! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/AgTcQ8S192
— Crypto.com Arena (@cryptocomarena) April 15, 2021
Slowly and surely, things are going back to normal in the NBA.
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