While the Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of beginning a postseason run that they hopes ends with a World Series title, the L.A. Lakers are deep into their playoff run and back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.
The Lakers eliminated the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night, with their win coincidentally coming not long before yet another Dodger Stadium power outage. It naturally led to jokes of celebrations throughout the city knocking the lights out at Chavez Ravine.
As two of the most popular franchises in all of sports, there is a significant overlap of fans who support the Dodgers and Lakers. That extends to the players as well, with Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner among the more notable Lakers fans on the Dodgers roster.
On Saturday, Turner broke out a custom pair of Adidas cleats to honor Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. One of the images included on Turner’s cleats depicted Bryant kissing daughter Gianna, who tragically passed away in the helicopter accident as well.
Some very special cleats tonight! So much respect and love to one of the most beloved athletes #LA has ever seen. We all miss you #KobeBryant #8 #24 #RIP #MambaForever #Gigi @Lakers @Dodgers
@JonSooHooPics pic.twitter.com/QoPPUAX4xB
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) September 27, 2020
Turner and the Dodgers previously honored Bryant and Gigi earlier this season with a pregame ceremony on what would have been his 42nd birthday. All on-field personnel wore a No. 8 or 24 jersey, and Vin Scully narrated a special tribute video.
Several Dodgers, including Turner, also posted heartfelt messages on social media following the win over the Colorado Rockies. During the game, Kiké Hernandez mouthed “Kobe” and did a shooting motion as he crossed home plate upon hitting a three-run home run.
Dodgers No. 1 seed heading into postseason
The Dodgers not only clinched an eighth consecutive National League West title this season, but also the best record in baseball. Of course, it comes with little benefit by way of home-field advantage.
L.A. is hosting the best-of-three Wild Card Series at Dodger Stadium, but otherwise are going to be playing at Globe Life Field for the remainder of the postseason should they advance.
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