“As an avid Laker fan since 1988, the NBA lockout—when there were no games because the players and the owners were fighting over contracts—was a disappointing time for me. During the lockout, I used all my would-be Laker time studying. Now that we’re having games again, my calendar is filled with the schedule of every game so I won’t miss a thing.
For me, the lockout didn’t change my view of the NBA. Sure, the players are being paid too much, but it is a high-risk sport, and a popular one, so it’s okay with me. I talked to other teens and found out that some of them are mad at the NBA while others didn’t really mind the lockout:
What did you do during the lockout instead of watching basketball?
“I studied and slept more,” said Dianne Hines, 16, Morningside High.
“I watched football and played other sports,” said Sean Thomas, 17, Leuzinger HS.
“I watched college basketball and tapes of NBA games,” said Michael Mayor, 15, Westchester HS.
Are the players paid too much?
“No, they could easily be injured,” said De’Shawn Washington, 18, Crenshaw High.
“I think the players did what they had to do. [Are they overpaid?] A little. They should get paid a lot, but not that much,” said Michael Mayor, 15, Westchester HS.
“I see the players as greedy. I don’t think they are doing it for fun, but for money. The players are being paid too much. No one needs that much money,” said Chrystal Ingram, 15, Middle College High.
“The lockout hasn’t changed my view of the players or owners. [But] some of the players are overpaid,” said Michelle Thompson, 15, Middle College HS.
Kobe Bryant shares his opinion
Before a practice one day at Los Angeles Southwest College, Laker Kobe Bryant, 20, had a few comments on the lockout:
“Basically, I think there were confused messages between the players and fans and players and owners. We were and still are asking for support from the fans. We wanted to get out there and play but there were problems that needed to be solved.”
Does he feel that the players acted selfishly?
“No. The players did what they were supposed to do. It was a business move. The NBA is a business.”
Were the conflicts between the players and owners serious enough that part of the season needed to be cancelled?
“Yes. It was moral, financial and percentage stuff that presented a big problem. It took time to work out, but the players wanted to play, especially the younger ones.””