The Los Angeles Lakers will wear the 2018-19 version of their City edition uniforms for the first time Wednesday evening when they play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.
The purple jersey with black pinstripes was designed by Basketball Hall of Fame member Earvin “Magic” Johnson and is part of what the team has dubbed as its “Lore Series,” designed by a legendary Laker. Last season’s City edition jersey was designed by Kobe Bryant.
Johnson’s autograph is featured above the jersey’s jock tag next to the words “Lore Series.” The shorts feature pinstripes that read, “3x5xSHOWTIME,” to represent the five championships Johnson won with the Lakers, his three MVP awards and the up-tempo offense he orchestrated. Johnson’s No. 32 and an M is on the waistband of the shorts.
Each NBA team has four sets of jerseys. The City edition incorporates features of a team’s city into the jersey’s design.
The Icon edition is the primary color uniform, which for the Lakers is gold. The Association edition is a team’s traditional white jersey. The Statement edition is inspired by team’s desire to make a bold statement, which for the Lakers is purple.