The NBA’s Growing Love Affair with Las Vegas
A Night of Excitement at T-Mobile Arena
On a vibrant Tuesday evening in Las Vegas, the air was electric with anticipation as the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors in a preseason matchup. Despite the buzz surrounding Davante Adams’ recent trade from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Jets, the crowd of 16,907 at T-Mobile Arena was focused on the hardwood. The Lakers’ annual visit to Sin City had become a cherished tradition, and this year was no exception.
As fans settled into their seats, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. LeBron James, the iconic face of the Lakers, kicked off the festivities with a series of warm-up dunks, culminating in his signature pregame chalk toss. The crowd erupted when he successfully executed a two-handed dunk midway through the first quarter, signaling that the NBA had returned to Las Vegas, even if just for one night.
A Coach’s Perspective on Las Vegas as a Sports Town
After the game, which saw the Lakers fall to the Warriors 111-97, Lakers coach JJ Reddick shared his thoughts on the city’s burgeoning sports culture. “Las Vegas has proven to be an excellent sports town,” he remarked. Reddick highlighted the passionate fan base that has emerged around various teams, from the NHL’s Golden Knights to the WNBA’s Aces. “There’s obviously a lot of things to do. It’s a place that people like to come visit,” he added, emphasizing the city’s appeal as a sports destination.
Star Power and Local Talent
The star-studded event drew not only basketball enthusiasts but also notable figures from the sports world. Courtside, Los Angeles Sparks star Dearica Hamby was spotted with her daughter Amaya and teammate Rae Burrell. For them, attending such a high-profile game was a rare treat, especially given the limited opportunities for basketball fans in Las Vegas. “It’s incredible,” Hamby said during halftime. “The city shows up when they get the opportunity to support basketball in Las Vegas.”
Burrell, a Las Vegas native, reflected on the city’s evolution from a place known primarily for its entertainment to a burgeoning sports hub. “If you were in sports, you kind of knew everybody in Vegas,” she recalled. “Just seeing it all come to life and all these teams getting added, I know the city is just so excited.”
A Historical Connection Between the NBA and Las Vegas
The relationship between the NBA and Las Vegas is not a new phenomenon. It dates back to the 1983-84 season when the Utah Jazz played several “home” games at the Thomas & Mack Center on UNLV’s campus. A historic moment occurred on April 5, 1984, when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became the all-time leading scorer in NBA history during a game against the Jazz. The Lakers began their own tradition of playing preseason games in Las Vegas in 1988, further solidifying the city’s place in NBA lore.
The NBA All-Star Game in 2007 marked another milestone, with the late Kobe Bryant earning MVP honors. Since then, the NBA Summer League has become a staple in Las Vegas, showcasing emerging talent and drawing fans from across the country.
The Growing Support for Sports in Las Vegas
The enthusiasm for sports in Las Vegas is palpable, as evidenced by the crowd’s spirited participation during the national anthem, where fans passionately sang along. Burrell noted the unique atmosphere that Las Vegas brings to sporting events. “There’s just always so much support in Las Vegas,” she said. “Having preseason games and in-season tournament games in Vegas just shows the support that is in Vegas. I think it’s just amazing, and I think it’s just getting better and better.”
Future Prospects: Expansion and Beyond
Looking ahead, the prospect of NBA expansion looms large, with Las Vegas being mentioned as a potential candidate. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged the city’s growing significance in the league’s landscape. Warriors star Draymond Green expressed confidence in Las Vegas’s enduring appeal as a sports destination. “It’ll never wear off,” he asserted, referencing the city’s rich entertainment history. “Basketball or football or baseball or anything else is only going to add to that.”
Green highlighted the shift in Las Vegas from a purely entertainment-focused city to one that embraces sports wholeheartedly. With the success of the UFC and the Raiders’ recent move to the city, the momentum is undeniable. “This is an amazing place,” he concluded, emphasizing that the allure of Las Vegas as a sports hub is only set to grow.
As the NBA continues to explore its future, the connection between the league and Las Vegas is poised to deepen, promising an exciting era for fans and players alike.