Ring nights are notoriously tough for the protecting champions, an emotional match that regularly has a tendency to overshadow the basketball sport handy.
The remaining time the Lakers gained their championship rings, even in an empty development, they discovered themselves down 20 issues on opening night within the blink of an eye fixed, in the long run shedding to the Clippers.
In the grand scheme of items, being the protecting champ is more enjoyable than accumulating one regular-season victory. But to be able to if truth be told protect that name, or mount a championship chase of your individual, the win issues more. That’s the mindset Juan Toscano-Anderson has going into opening night.
Unlike the remainder of the Lakers who’re merely having a look to ruin Golden State’s celebration on Tuesday, Toscano-Anderson might be accumulating his championship ring as a member of the 2021-22 Warriors. But the brand new Laker believes that the results of the sport is more vital than any jewellery, as he advised Spectrum SportsNet Friday:
“Obviously it’s a big night for myself and for Golden State, something that I definitely want to enjoy. But I’m a Laker now, I want to go in there and kick their butts. That’s the ultimate goal is to start off the season on the right foot and go into Golden State, which is a tough place to win. You know, I’ve played many games in Chase, I know how tough it is to win there, I know how their fans are, and they’re an amazing team, so I would like to go in there and get a win, that would be better than the ring, to be honest.”
A 12 months in the past, the Lakers had a likelihood to start out their season off with a bang in opposition to those exact same Warriors, a likelihood to punctuate their arguable offseason with a big-time win. Instead, Carmelo Anthony pump-faked a unfastened throw, the Lakers flubbed a double-digit lead, and issues went south from there.
The Lakers aren’t anticipated to win the rematch, however therein lies the chance to turn the script and set a higher tone for the 2022-23 season. Acquitting themselves neatly in opposition to a staff of Golden State’s caliber would carry just right vibes from the get-go, one thing Toscano-Anderson doesn’t take with no consideration.
“It would feel much sweeter to go in there, get my ring and win, and feel good about the win itself, but feel confident moving forward in the season. Beating Golden State, it’s a big deal, they’re a great team. They’re the champions. And so that would be much sweeter than anything else, getting my ring and enjoying doing that with my family, but capping it off with a win at Golden State.”
It’ll be a just right night for Toscano-Anderson irrespective of the end result. But getting his new staff out on a top be aware will be the final victory.
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