Of the current Lakers players, only Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher played at the Forum.
The team hasn't played there since leaving for Staples Center in 1999 but will do so for the franchise's 50th year in Los Angeles, in exhibition game against Golden State. The Lakers have had to work overtime to get the building in game shape. The gradually deteriorating arena is owned by Faithful Central Bible Church, which purchased it for $22.5 million in December 2000 and has never had to put on a full-scale basketball production.
The Lakers had to transport their basketball court from Staples Center to the Forum. There's no longer a scoreboard, so they will hang two large LED screens over the court. They will also bring their lighting trusses, basketball hoops and scorer's table from Staples Center.
The Lakers' last meaningful game at the Forum was against San Antonio on May 23, 1999, a Game 4 loss in the Western Conference semifinals that quickly ended their season.
I saw Magic, Bird, and MJ at the Forum back in the day. I was also lucky enough to see Shaq and Kobe there. With the lights out at Staples sometimes I can see the Forum, but nothing like being right there next to Chick. If you sat behind the basket, you could purchase drinks from the same bar as the celebrities. I would have loved to see Jerry West and Wilt play there.
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