Tribute: Lakers' games just won't be the same
The only time this reporter would listen to L.A. Lakers' games is during the post-season. Mainly, I would listen to the radio, not for the games, but to hear the broadcasts of longtime Lakers' announcer, Chick Hearn. Now, sadly, the voice of Hearn is gone forever and Lakers' games just won't be the same.
The Los Angeles Lakers will begin their 2002-2003 season without one of their stars. The Lakers and the game of basketball won't be the same.
No, Shaq and Kobe weren't traded, and Phil Jackson hasn't retired from coaching. Magic Johnson hasn't left the Lakers to become General Manager of the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers' star that will be missing is Francis Dale Hearn, who most people here in Los Angeles know as "Chick".
If you listened to Lakers broadcasts for the past 42 or so years, Chick Hearn is as familiar to you as your best friend. In losing Chick, L.A. has lost a friend, a very dear one at that. He died Monday night after a fall in his home over the past weekend.
Hearn, who was 85 years young, changed the face of announcing. In an era without television, Chick brought the game of basketball to those Lakers' fans who couldn't afford to go to games at either the Forum or Staples Center.
The Lakers will open the 2002-2003 basketball season trying to "four-peat". A vital part of "Showtime" is now gone. Los Angeles and the rest of the NBA won't be the same.
Chick, thanks for the memories.
No, Shaq and Kobe weren't traded, and Phil Jackson hasn't retired from coaching. Magic Johnson hasn't left the Lakers to become General Manager of the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers' star that will be missing is Francis Dale Hearn, who most people here in Los Angeles know as "Chick".
If you listened to Lakers broadcasts for the past 42 or so years, Chick Hearn is as familiar to you as your best friend. In losing Chick, L.A. has lost a friend, a very dear one at that. He died Monday night after a fall in his home over the past weekend.
Hearn, who was 85 years young, changed the face of announcing. In an era without television, Chick brought the game of basketball to those Lakers' fans who couldn't afford to go to games at either the Forum or Staples Center.
The Lakers will open the 2002-2003 basketball season trying to "four-peat". A vital part of "Showtime" is now gone. Los Angeles and the rest of the NBA won't be the same.
Chick, thanks for the memories.
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