Laker Coach Protest

By Douglas V. Gibbs

"Am I crazy, or am I the only one that heard when the legislators said that 'we just took United States immigration law and adapted it to our state?'" -- Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers head coach, May 4, Pre-game News Conference.

Ever since Coach Jackson spoke these words, the L.A. Lakers faithful, or at least the ones that oppose the Arizona immigration law, have been angry. They now plan to picket outside Monday's Lakers-Phoenix NBA playoff game at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Arizona newspapers have expressed support for the Lakers' coach because of his comments on the immigration issue.

The Lakers do not plan to follow the Phoenix Suns' lead by wearing a jersey with the word "Los" in front of the team name. The Lakers wore the Los Lakers jerseys for their March 21 game in connection with the NBA's "Noche Latina," program, which is part of the NBA's marketing efforts aimed at Hispanics.

The rally participants plan to begin picketing at 5 p.m. outside the ESPN Zone restaurant at the LA Live complex, before marching to protest in front of Staples Center.

I stand with Jackson.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Protesters to Rally at Monday Lakers Game - ABC 7 Los Angeles