by Kelley Evans
Special to the Tri-State Defender

Kelley Evans

In a packed FedExForum, my loyalty was definitely to the home team. Others, however, gathered to cheer for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Some went so far as to boo Memphis players as they made free throw shots.  

Now, being the inquisitive person that I am, I had to get to the bottom of the mayhem.  I began asking Lakers’ fans if they were from Memphis. To my dismay, seven out of the 11 individuals were definitely Memphians.

It didn’t end there. After the game, Memphis Lakers fans were shouting obscenities to us as we were attempting to exit the building. My guest to the game was surprised and embarrassed at their behavior towards a team that actually brings revenue into the city of Memphis. Opposing teams fill up hotel rooms. They purchase food and other items in this city.  

While there were plenty of fans for the L.A. Lakers at the FedExForum for Tuesday’s game, the Grizz faithful were loaded for bear.

Kobe Bryant was the wow-factor in the Memphis Grizzlies-Los Angeles Lakers game at the FedExForum on Tuesday night. The Grizz fell 99-98 in an NBA match-up that provided top-shelf entertainment for 18,119 fans. Bryant delivered at the beginning, middle and – most painfully – at the end. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)

It’s great to see opposing team players having lunch and appreciating downtown Memphis, something that a disturbing number of native Memphians fail to do.

Yes, fans have the right to cheer for their favorite team. I understand that. I have been a hardcore Pittsburgh Steelers fan for more than 30 years. I travel to Nashville whenever the Steelers play the Tennessee Titans. But there is a level of respect that I have for myself and for my home state that will not allow me to disrespect any Tennessee Titans player, or fan for that matter.

This is not unique to Memphis, trust me. The same thing happens in Milwaukee, Atlanta, Dallas and Charlotte – just to name a few – when the Cavaliers, Celtics and especially the Lakers play.  

Still, I want my city to see and feel the experience of not only having a team that goes deep in the playoffs but also winning the NBA championship someday. I want to see the players, fans, coaches and owner riding down Beale Street with the trophy.

Memphians, why can’t we want that for our team?  Why can’t we believe in our team?  Why can’t we want the best for our team?  They do have the name “Memphis” across their chests, not L.A., Boston or Cleveland, right?  

If we don’t want it, no one else will.  And for those of you who don’t want it, at least try to respect your home court.