The Lakers’ Game 3 win over the Suns is pretty significant.
Yes, it obviously gives them a big 2-1 lead over the Western Conference’s 2-seed. But it represents more than that. It’s actually their first home playoff win since 2012.
They’re the reigning NBA champions, but they played that entire stint in the NBA bubble with no fans in Orlando. That was all done, essentially, on what was a neutral court.
Wednesday’s win over the Suns gave the Lakers their first playoff win in Staples since 2012.
The last time they won at home in the playoffs was in 2012 against Kevin Durant (!!!) and the Oklahoma City Thunder. They went on to lose that series 4-1 but won that game 99-96.
Their leading scorer? Kobe Bryant, of course, with 36 points.
So it made perfect sense for Lakers’ fans to bust out in a ‘Kobe’ chant as they were about to win their first home playoff game in 9 years.
Lakers fans chanted “Kobe!” as they got their first home playoff win since 2012. pic.twitter.com/aH808XmFlJ
— ESPN (@espn) May 28, 2021
That’s epic, man. Kobe would be so proud of these Lakers.