There are certain franchises in the NBA where attending a game at the arena feels like a full-scale spectacle rather than merely a basketball contest. Fans arrive dressed elegantly from head to toe, transforming the evening into a social event that mirrors the glamour of Hollywood. Moreover, given the significant cost of attending these games, almost all fans ensure the experience is a memorable one for themselves and their families.
This distinctive vibe and atmosphere are precisely what made Metta Sandiford-Artest such a strong admirer of Los Angeles Lakers fans, particularly those who occupy the courtside seats with undeniable flair.
Sandiford-Artest defended Lakers fans
In April 2011, GQ published a feature ranking the 15 worst sports fanbases in the United States. With Lakers fans ranked No. 15 on that list, the natural assumption was that members of the organization would rush to defend their fanbase, but the overall reaction was somewhat nuanced. Even more notably, several Lakers stars did not even strongly contest every critique in the article. However, Metta offered a distinctly different perspective, suggesting that the Lakers’ aura was unmatched.
At the time, attending a Lakers game at the Staples Center was widely regarded as a premium entertainment experience. The arena included upscale amenities such as the Hyde Lounge, where menu items like nachos reportedly cost over $20. Furthermore, during the 2010-11 campaign, the Lakers possessed the highest average ticket price in the league, approximately around $325.
Rather than viewing these details negatively, Sandiford-Artest argued that they symbolized the unique cultural identity of the Lakers fanbase. Moreover, in his view, Purple & Gold fans carried a distinctive swag and style that few other fanbases could replicate.
“The fans with swag, they’re paying for the seats. The seats are overpriced, and they’re paying for them,” the one-time All-Star said. “We have swag. There’s not a lot of fans that have swag. There’s a lot of fans that have a lot of energy, but in L.A., our season-ticket holders, they come to the game with Grey Poupon, a slice of bread and some silverware. It’s good. It’s a different type of thing. They’re eating caviar. They can get manicures, pedicures on the floor. How many arenas can you get a pedicure and watch the game?”
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Jeanie had interesting views
However, while the players remained content, one member challenged the ranking: former franchise owner Jeanie Buss, who publicly disputed the claim on social media. She firmly argued that many NBA fanbases actually aspired to emulate the passion, energy and visibility of Lakers supporters. Put simply, from her perspective, the unwarranted criticism only reinforced the prominent position that Lake Show fans occupied.
“Everyone wants what the Lakers HAVE,” tweeted Jeanie. “That would be the best fans in the world! Thank you!”
Safe to say, even though Lakers fans contend with expensive tickets and meals inside the arena, these costs are often considered part of the larger Hollywood-inspired experience surrounding the franchise.
Related: How Metta Sandiford-Artest’s mental fight fueled the Lakers’ 2010 title run