Part of being a Lakers fan living in Los Angeles means attending home games and part of attending those games is getting the most bang for you buck while at the same time demonstrating your true Lakers love. Whether it’s apparel that represents your Lakers pride or technology that squeezes out more enjoyment from the live experience, it’s just more fun to go to a Lakers game when you’re bringing along some cool stuff.
With that in mind, here’s a list of our favorite accessories, gadgets and gear that we’d love to be able to bring along to every Lakers home game.
1. Game Jersey
Have a specific player you love? Want to show your love and support in a way that casts no doubt about your true Lakers passion? Why not get yourself a Lakers home jersey? Officially licensed Swingman Game Jerseys from the NBA Store online come in a variety of designs, starting at the low end with the Adidas Replica Jersey featuring a reverse dunk flat-back mesh construction going all the way up to the Revolution 30 Authentic Game Jersey which is constructed with an ultra light ClimaCool® mesh material. If you want to split the difference your best bet might be the Revolution 30 Swingman (pictured right), allowing you to get the look and feel of an authentic home jersey without the three-bill price tag of the top end.
2. Starter Jacket
As the saying goes, what once was old is new again. Well, you’re not going to find a Starter Jacket at the NBA store but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth scouring for through eBay or in online vintage stores. If you’re a fan whose interest stretches back into the 90’s you’ll remember how popular these jackets were back in the day. In fact you could you hardly turn on MTV without seeing a music video where someone was representing Starter apparel for their favorite squad. Our take? If you want to express a passion for the purple and gold that demonstrates a long running tradition of Lakers pride, go retro with one of these bad boys. Besides, it’ll keep you warm on the cold nights walking back to the parking lot on 9th and Francisco.
3. Mini Binoculars
Let’s face it, going to a Lakers game isn’t cheap these days. And often times the best tickets fans can afford are ones up in the 300’s, especially if they’re planning on taking their whole family. But to enhance the the experience of sitting in the nose bleeds so you feel like you’re not missing out, consider a pair of Bushnell Powerview Compact Binoculars. With a 8x magnification, a close distance of 21 feet and a center knob for easy focus, these binoculars will let you enjoy all the details of the live game experience. From checking out players’ reactions on the bench to spotting to celebrities to watching the Lakers Girls, you won’t miss a thing.
4. Flip Video HD
Capable of recording up to two hours of stunning 720p HD footage, the Flip UltraHD Video Camera is the perfect way to capture memories and highlights of your next trip to a Lakers home game. Of particular note, the third generation Flip Video Recorder includes a brand new image stabilization feature, which should come in particularly handy when you’re trying to record a crucial possession as the frenzied crowd is shaking up all of Staples Center.
5. iPad 2
You’d be surprised how common it is these days for fans to bring an iPad with them to a live sporting event. An iPad is jut small enough not to be cumbersome when taken into the arena and if it’s 3G connected it opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing the in-game experience. Whether we’re talking about checking the box score for instant game information or updating social media (hello Lakers Nation Twittercast!) Moreover, if you’re the type of fan who really likes to stay plugged in to the flow of the action, you can download the ESPN Radio App and listen to John Ireland and Mychal Thompson do live play-by-play. Talk about being immersed!
Speaking of listening to a broadcast during the game, if you’re going to go to the trouble of firing up the radio app then you’ll need a pair of quality headphones to take in the play-by-play. That’s where the Bose IE2 Headphones come in. Besides providing Bose’s signature sound quality and noise isolation features, these headphones also feature patented StayHear tips that keep the buds locked comfortably in place. Whether you’re doing the radio thing or just listening to some tunes during halftime on your smartphone, the IE2’s are the perfect complement.
7. New Era Cap
One of the most common and stylish ways to show your support of the team? Get yourself a quality team cap and call it a day. New Era Lakers caps come in a variety of designs, from the 2 Tone Snapback to the Retro Royal Blue (pictured right) to the Purple-Gold Vintage Scripter. All hats feature high quality team logo or text embroidery, 100% cotton construction and are officially licensed by the NBA.
8. Lytro Light Field Camera
What if there is was a camera that allowed you to take pictures then focus the image after the shot was already stored? Well, that’s exactly the capability offered by the Lytro Light Field Camera. This brand new technology works by using light fields to focus on every angle of a photograph once it’s snapped, not just the angle the photographer chooses in the moment. The data is then stored on board on the camera and can be manipulated later to create the perfect shot. The simple two button design allows you to shoot now and ask questions later. So next time you snap that choice photograph of Kobe throwing it down over the opposing center you won’t have to worry if you got the perfect focus. At least, not if you use the Lytro.
9. Lakers Foam Finger
An in stadium classic, the foam finger is one of the most time honored fan traditions in recent sports history. And if you think it’s cheesy, over the top or played out, think again. Case in point, if it’s good enough for Snoop Dogg (pictured right) then it should be good enough for you. Seriously, who is cooler than Snoop? As an aside, if you do sport the finger at the game try to be a courteous neighbor and not wave the finger into the air during a key play so as to obstruct the view of the folks sitting behind you. Well, unless they’re Celtics fans. In that case, wave away!
10. Deuce Brand Bracelet Watch
Sleek. Stylish. Subtle. The Deuce Brand bracelet watch is a sporty alternative to the the wrist watch constructed using a soft medical grade silicone rubber that is so light and comfortable you’ll hardly notice it’s even there. Best off all, the folks over at Deuce have produced a custom Lakers edition that will let you rep the purple and gold morning, noon and night. Great to wear at your next Lakers home game or when you hit up the local rec to play pick-up.
