Lakers’ banner No. 18 receives criticism and backlash from NBA fans | Here’s why

Los Angeles, CA – Ahead of the Knicks game, the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate their 2023 In-Season Tournament championship by raising another banner in their rafters. It’s already the franchise’s banner no.18 and it’s solely dedicated to the first-ever IST champions. After unveiling the banner, instead of praises and positive comments, the celebration was met with heavy criticism and backlash. But, why are the Lakers getting the hate?

The Lakers unveil their banner for the first-ever NBA in-season tournament championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/twXMZ8cnAf

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 19, 2023

“We don’t hang division banners” – Kobe Bryant

For starters, we aren’t dragging Kobe‘s name into this discussion. But given how the late great Black Mamba has been keen on hanging one type of banner only – which are NBA titles – it’s possibly the reason why fans are mad with what the Lakers dubbed as “banner no.18”. During an interview with then-ESPN host, Jalen Rose, Kobe mentioned that they [Lakers] “don’t hang division banners”.

Moreover, a video is resurfacing online featuring Bryant’s stand that the Lakers never put up major banners, not even Western Conference championships. How much more if it’s a recognition for the IST championship? The L.A. Lakers have won 17 NBA titles so far, tying the Boston Celtics as the franchises with the most chips in NBA history.

"We don't hang division banners."

Kobe Bryant told Jalen Rose how he views the Lakers' legacy. Watch the full interview here: https://t.co/rjNwmf6pJ3 pic.twitter.com/4L5cx3dRJB

— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2018

Ik he shaking his head rn. Lakers really putting a banner up for IST 😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/5LOmVjGEh7

— . (@Kd7_Szn) December 11, 2023

Fans aren’t happy with the IST banner. In fact, some are calling it a “joke” and one of the “dumbest” things in pro sports

Indeed, Kobe Bryant might be rolling his eyes in heaven right now if he learns about what the Lakers’ banner no.18 is about. If he was alive, would the Black Mamba approve? Probably not and so do NBA fans. The IST banner, as called by some, doesn’t belong there. All of the other 17 banners have showcased championship titles that previous Lakers legends worked hard to get. Even Shaquille O’Neal, one of the best to wear the Lakers uniform ever, didn’t hold back and called it “just an ornament”. What’s even more hilarious is that fans and pundits alike want the In-Season Tournament banner should be called 17.5 instead of 18 since it’s still in the middle of the season!

Regardless of the hate, a victory is a victory. Even if haters of LeBron James make fun of the IST banner by calling it derogatory names, it’s still irrelevant. Although we have to agree it’s not like the other banners. Despite being roasted, the Los Angeles Lakers have already made history as they became the first-ever In-Season Tournament champions.

“This is just an ornament. … It’s not a banner because it doesn't look like the other banners… it’s decoration.”

Shaq reacts to the Lakers hanging an In-Season Tournament Championship banner 😅 pic.twitter.com/LwKKxUKHq5

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 20, 2023

IST banners, stolen Minnesota banners, bubble banners, the Lakers really got it all folks!! https://t.co/AGqoPKoJyW

— Champion Curt ☘️ (@CelticsCurt) December 19, 2023

Kobe seeing the Lakers hang a In-Season Tournament banner pic.twitter.com/7hBc5Igrin

— TopOFGame🥷 (@topofgame2986) December 11, 2023

Lakers got 17.5 banners now. Take that Celtics 😂😭😂😂 https://t.co/0FOXRdJyHH

— loving u is complicated (@AntLeeHow) December 11, 2023