Despite Pandemic, NBA Fan Continues to Support Team

Despite Pandemic, NBA Fan Continues to Support Team

ANAHEIM, Calif.—The recent economic downturn hasn’t deterred one NBA fan, who continues to support his team through online purchases and other league-licensed products.  Los Angeles Lakers fan David Taylor, 48, who was recently laid off from his manufacturing job, doesn’t understand why people are turning away from professional sports.

“We are there to support the teams we grew up with.  That’s why they call us fans, it’s short for fanatics!” Walker said.  “Look, it makes me feel better to watch LeBron.  If he wants to preach to me, so be it…it’s LeBron.  He’s the king.”

Walker, who has three teenagers and a stay-at-home wife, explains that the money he spent to attend sporting events, prior to the pandemic, was worthwhile.  “Yes, I could have started a rainy day fund that would have supported my family for six months in case anything happened.  And yes, we pay three-figures for upper deck seats at The Forum, but it is so worth it,” he said.  “And yes, we know, the parking and LA traffic jams to and from the games are disconcerting a bit.”

Despite not attending games in person because of the pandemic, Walker says he supports the team through online purchases of NBA-licensed jerseys and other sports memorabilia.  “I know what you are thinking, why should I spent nearly $1,000 for jerseys for me and my kids when I have lost my job.  Basketball is big business and if it goes away, the economy will sink,” he says.  “My kids expect me to pay for all of this.  How can they not have the latest Nike shoes and NBA-licensed jerseys?  Just because we are down now, doesn’t mean my kids can’t show people they are still hip.”

Walker’s son, Daniel, 15, says that while his dad has been “super cool” when it came to taking them to games and buying the latest jerseys, he can be a tone-deaf when it comes to reality. “We’ve told him that sometimes we just want to stay home and play Fortnight,” Daniel said.

Walker, who is late paying his mortgage and other bills, believes the government will help soon. “Even though they are now millionaires, these players came from nothing. So I can sacrifice a bit,” he said.

Walker was evasive when asked about the growing length of professional games and the politicization of sports.  “It is okay to have all of these messages.  Great to hear them talk about the movement, rather than the game,” he said.  “It’s all about education, where the game is secondary. So what if a couple of people in Hong Kong don’t like LeBron telling them about freedom? The NBA says it’s okay to ignore that noise.”