Nike Unveils New Jersey for Lakers, and Fans Aren’t Pleased

The Los Angeles Lakers introduced a new alternate uniform set for the 2026 season, which has been received negatively by the fanbase. The Specter Edition jerseys, designed by Nike, were exclusively created for eight iconic NBA franchises that originated during the league's early years. These teams include the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Philadelphia 76ers.

On January 6, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Lakers showcased their new jerseys, which feature a black background and purple shapes resembling the team's logo. The numbers and Lakers logo on the front of the uniform are small, with the font size measured at 8 points. The jersey also displays the players' names in a smaller font below the numbers, with the team name "Lakers" further diminished at the back.

Fans quickly took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the new jerseys, with many mocking the design and calling for a return to the Lakers' previous jerseys, which were gold. Some fans even demanded that Nike stop supplying the team, as they prefer Adidas. Amidst the chaos surrounding the jersey unveiling, the Lakers recently underwent a change in ownership, with former Dodgers owner Mark Walter selling the franchise to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, leading to a contentious split from the Buss family. The fanbase has found some common ground in their disapproval of the new jerseys.