The Los Angeles Lakers won Game 1 of their first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies, with their bench players Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves taking over in the fourth quarter.

Hachimura scored nine of his 29 points in the fourth quarter and tied Mychal Thompson’s Lakers franchise record for most points by a substitute in a playoff game, while Reaves went 5-for-5 in the fourth quarter and scored 23 points total, including nine straight points late in the quarter.

The Lakers needed the extra effort from their roster as star player Anthony Davis suffered a shoulder injury and had to exit the game in the second quarter. LeBron James acknowledged that their supporting cast won them the game.

Hachimura’s impressive performance was due to Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy scouting gaps in the Grizzlies’ defense that he could target. Reaves, who went undrafted out of college two years ago, signed a two-way contract with the Lakers in the summer of 2021 and was later converted to a full-fledged team member before the season began. The Lakers had only had four players scored 20 or more in the playoffs in 1988.

Hip hop and the Los Angeles Lakers have a close relationship, with the team’s success and star players often referenced in rap lyrics.

One of the hottest rappers out of LA is Kendrick Lamar, who has referenced the Lakers in several songs, including “The Heart Part 3,” where he raps, “Kendrick Lamar, the people’s champion, LeBron James, what’s happening?” and in “DUCKWORTH.” where he raps, “Top of the morning, I know that you’re wakin’ up / Been on the move, I’m a Lakers’ son.” Lamar is a big Lakers fan and has attended several of their games.

Hip Hop Laker Connect

Hip hop and the Los Angeles Lakers have a long-standing relationship that dates back decades. The Lakers are one of the most successful and iconic NBA teams in history, and their influence extends beyond just the sport of basketball. The team’s success and star players have been referenced in numerous rap lyrics, making them an integral part of the hip-hop culture in LA and beyond.

Many hip-hop artists have grown up as Lakers fans and paid their musical homage to the team. The Lakers’ star players, such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, have been referenced in many rap lyrics. For example, Kendrick Lamar has referenced the Lakers in several songs, including “The Heart Part 3” and “DUCKWORTH.” Snoop Dogg, a big Lakers fan, also referenced the team in many of his songs. He even released a song called “Lakers Anthem” in 2010 to celebrate the team’s success.
The Lakers’ influence on hip-hop culture goes beyond just being referenced in lyrics. Hip-hop artists have also attended Lakers games and performed at Lakers events.

For example, Jay-Z performed at the Lakers’ halftime show during the 2009 NBA Finals, while Drake and Travis Scott have performed at Lakers games in recent years. The team has also collaborated with several hip-hop artists on merchandise and promotional events, further cementing their relationship with the genre.

The Lakers’ influence on hip-hop culture cannot be overstated. The team’s success and star players have been referenced in countless rap lyrics, and their impact extends beyond just basketball. As the team continues to be a significant force in the NBA, its relationship with hip-hop culture will likely continue to grow and evolve.

 


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