Lakers Wearing 'Los Lakers' Uniforms in NBA Noche Latina

The Los Angeles Lakers will wear uniforms displaying the team name that is popular with Latinos, "Los Lakers,'' today at Staples Center when they face the Atlanta Hawks and for the following two Sundays.

The Spanish-style uniforms are among the elements of the NBA's "Noche Latina'' (Latin Night) program, which the league bills as a celebration of "the growing support of NBA fans and players across Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic communities.''

There will also be Latin-themed activities, including musical performances, and giveaways.

According to statistics provided by the league, 16 percent of the NBA's fanbase is Latino. There are six U.S.-born Latino players and 19 players from Spain and Latin America in the league, including Laker forward-center Pau Gasol.

The "Los Lakers'' jerseys are available for purchase at Staples Center and online at NBAStore.com.

Noche Latina has been held annually since the 2006-2007 season. The NBA has conducted a fully Latino marketing campaign since the 2009-2010 season, ene-be-a, in an effort to attract more Latino fans.

In addition to the Lakers, the other six participating teams and their alternate team names are Chicago (``Los Bulls''); Miami (``El Heat''); New York (``Nueva York''); Orlando (``El Magic''); Phoenix (``Los Suns''); and San Antonio (``Los Spurs'').

From City News Service

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