So for Christmas this year we went with experiences instead of gifts. The boys were happy with this when it turned out to be tickets to the Charlotte Hornets. We hadn't been to a game for years.
From the parking lot to the venue, you'd have thought we were in Los Angeles. Every other person was wearing Lakers gear, specifically LeBron James shirts. And while we're hear to cheer on our Hornets, we chose this game for the opportunity to see the greatest player of this generation.
Once inside, and B had his face painted, we made the climb to our seats. (I hate being a "dad" when it comes to sports ticket prices - but I couldn't get anything in the lower lever for under $600 a ticket.) We're up there! So far up that we were above the scoreboard. As usual the height made it about 20 minutes before I could relax, but once the game started, and James made an appearance (he didn't seem to warm-up with the team - maybe we were so high up I couldn't tell he was out there).
The Lakers took the lead early and then didn't seem to bother to get out of 3rd gear, as they cruised the whole game. The Hornets never looked like they would get close. And LeBron? Wow! What a player! 20 odd years ago I was lucky enough to see Michael Jordan play for the Wizards against the Hornets. That night he had a pretty ordinary game, but you could tell he was head and shoulders above everyone else on the court. The same goes for LeBron. He has a grace and vision on the court that makes it look like basketball is in his DNA, and he can't not be great. He tore the Hornets apart with 43 points and barely looked like he's raised a sweat.
With the game well and truly done, we left a few minutes early. To which the Hornets went on a run to make the score look respectable, but overall just an night to soak in a most amazing player.
One thing I have to comment on is the atmosphere in the crowd. Again, Charlotte lets us down. There is no enthusiasm for the team (and I feel the same for the NFL) and it feels like a morgue in the stadium. And whatever the Hornets are trying to do to hype up the crowd, is not working. Do something else! Anything.! While I'm glad for the opportunity to see a sporting legend, nothing will make me race back to a Hornets game.
LA Lakers 121 (LeBron James 43, Thomas Bryant 18, Austin Reeves 15, Dennis Schroeder 15) defeated Charlotte Hornets 115 (Terry Rozier 27, LaMelo Ball 24, Mason Plumlee 18).
Crowd: 19,210
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