Lakers fans divided over leaked "classic" blue and white throwback jersey

NBA rules allow teams to wear old jersey designs to celebrate franchise milestones. According to a recently leaked photo of a Los Angeles Lakers jersey, the franchise is planning to bring back their classic blue and white uniform as the team will complete 60 years in Los Angeles after their relocation from Minneapolis in the 1960-61 season. The design is likely to be altered a little. Regardless of how many changes will be brought in to the design, the leaked blue and white uniform has split opinion among Lakers fans.    

Rumor: The Lakers will rock their throwback blue jerseys during the 2021 season. (h/t @sportslogosnet) pic.twitter.com/W5jjubjsVp

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 28, 2020

Also read | LeBron won't wear social justice message on Lakers jersey

Lakers blue and white jersey idea criticized by fans on social media

Dumbest jersey.. clippers are blue

— KAFKOV (@StevenM91884738) September 28, 2020

Do I like this jersey being part of the Lakers' rotation? Yes, I do.

Do I like the fact this will be the potential SIXTH UNIFORM in their uniform set?

Heck no. This is getting out of hand. Feels like we're heading towards a completely different jersey every game. 😂

— Chris Ramirez (@CRamirezCalif) September 28, 2020

Inglewood laker fans ain't rockin that b...#LakeShow

— Brodney B. (@TwoOfum) September 28, 2020

I like the jerseys - but shouldn't there be a little bit of purple and gold in there somewhere?

— Saurabh NOW! 🌹 (@saurabhnow) September 29, 2020

That look likes a LA Clippers jersey

— MaartiinaaMiicheellee (@MsM1che11e) September 28, 2020

While some fans loved the idea that players will be donning a throwback Lakers jersey, many were unimpressed with the new design. Many believe the jersey colours are too similar to the LA Clippers' and should have had at least some purple or gold in them. While some liked the idea of it, fans weren't looking forward to having yet another uniform set from the Lakers. "I like the jerseys - but shouldn't there be a little bit of purple and gold in there somewhere?" wrote one user. 

Also read | NBA Finals schedule: Heat vs Lakers NBA Finals schedule, start date and live stream

Till date, the blue and white jerseys remain a favourite among Lakers fans and were worn from 1960 to 1967. According to Sports Logos' Chris Creamer, this jersey will feature "Lakers" across the chest instead of the old embroidered "Los Angeles". After Nike was signed as the official partner for jerseys, fans had already been expecting some throwback jerseys for all franchises. Reports also add that the jerseys will be called the "classic" uniform. 

Previously, the Lakers have worn the popular MLPS baby blue throwback jerseys in 2017. In 2003, the Lakers wore the classic black and white jerseys. This season, the Lakers have donned the "Black Mamba" jersey on occasion at the NBA bubble, meant to honour late NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Bryant, Gianna and seven others lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash on January 26. 

Also read | Teams prepare for Heat- Lakers NBA Finals: Lakers vs Heat

Lakers vs Heat NBA Finals preview

24 HOURS UNTIL GAME 1.

2020 #NBAFinals Presented by @YouTubeTV featuring the @MiamiHEAT and @Lakers begins Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET on ABC! pic.twitter.com/h8AVGSInIJ

— NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2020

The Lakers are currently at the NBA bubble in Orlando, preparing for their first NBA Finals since 2010 against the Miami Heat. This will also be the Heat's first NBA Final since their 2014 team, which was led by now-Lakers star LeBron James. Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday, 9:00 pm EST (Thursday, 6:30 am IST). 

Also read | Lakers could don an altered version of their classic Lakers blue and white jersey for the 2021 season

(Image credits: NBA, AP)