The Los Angeles Lakers probably arguably largest celebrity fan base of any team in American professional sports. That also carries over into the realm of sports media, where many grew up fans of the Lakers.
One of the biggest is ESPN anchor and personality, Cari Champion, who grew up in Southern California and attended UCLA. Champion recently joined ESPN’s SportsNation show and one of her new co-hosts is well-known Los Angeles Clippers fan Marcellus Wiley.
Of course Wiley, and fellow co-host LZ Granderson, felt the need to have some fun at Champion’s expense by gifting her some Clippers gear on her first day.
Lakers rookie guard Josh Hart recently made an appearance on SportsNation and made the situation much better, however. Hart presented Champion with a bag full of Lakers gear that even made her a little emotional and shed a ‘thug tear.’
Of course Wiley still had to try and make jokes at the Lakers’ expense, but it didn’t matter as Champion’s day was clearly made by the gifts. In the end Hart made another great showing on a media appearance.
Hart was also recently a guest analyst on Spectrum SportsNet and, in addition to providing some excellent insight, gave a spot-on impression of teammate Brook Lopez.
Hart has missed the last 10 games after breaking a bone in his hand. The Lakers have undoubtedly missed his defense, shooting, and toughness on the court, as well simply having another reliable, healthy wing.
Of course the most important thing for Hart is getting back on the court and he is working hard to do just that. He already has a target date in mind for his return and is hoping to be back March 30 when the Lakers face the Milwaukee Bucks.
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