Congratulations to the Lakers
June 16, 2009
by Webmaster
Congratulations to the Lakers
Today, Los Angeles and the state of California are in the limelight for the right reasons. The Lakers' NBA Finals victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night gave us all cause to celebrate and rekindle memories of a legendary franchise that has made L.A. proud for fifty years.
The L.A. Area Chamber congratulates the Buss family, General Manager Mitch Kupchak, Coach Phil Jackson, MVP Kobe Bryant and the entire Lakers team on the 15th NBA championship for the purple and gold. We especially congratulate Phil Jackson on his 10th championship, a record for NBA coaches.
When asked what made Phil Jackson a great coach, Derek Fisher — the hero of game four — noted that Coach Jackson brings out the best in his players by empowering them in the game plan, not controlling them. One regularly hears this same quote about successful CEOs in business. No one wants to be controlled, but everyone wants to make a contribution for the good of the team and their personal satisfaction.
Nothing brings a city together like a winning sports team. People of all ages who don't know each other, speak different languages, and vote for opposing political parties share a common bond when rooting for their team. And tomorrow, a virtual United Nations of fans from Southern California will celebrate the Lakers' victory during a parade from Staples Center to the Coliseum. The L.A. Area Chamber applauds AEG, Casey and Laura Wasserman, Jerry and Margie Perenchio, and many other businesspeople for making a contribution so that the entire community can celebrate this victory.
Professional sports victories are not only good for our community pride, they are important to the economy of our region. In 2007, when the Los Angeles Sports Council and the Chamber teamed up to research the economic impact of college and professional sports on Los Angeles, the number was in excess of five billion dollars each and every year. Sporting events have played a key role in bolstering our tourism trade and they are major anchors for our hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions.
Sixteen victories in post-season play are not enough to turn around our economy or solve the state budget crisis, but they do bring us together and remind us how much a winning team bolsters our pride and our morale, in addition to our economy. Thanks again, Lakers — and congratulations from all of us at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
And that's The Business Perspective.
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