LA D-Fenders to rebrand as South Bay Lakers with blue jerseys

[Slava]

The Los Angeles D-Fenders will become the South Bay Lakers at the conclusion of the 2016-17 NBA D-League season.

Our Inspiration

The new identity is inspired by the prestigious brand of the team’s parent club, the Los Angeles Lakers, while honoring a community that has served as a headquarters to the D-League affiliate since 2006. The name change will commemorate a heritage of achievement that has produced 35 player and staff call-ups to the NBA, all while looking forward to the franchise’s bright future.

Our Community

At the core of the rebrand is a desire for the franchise to strengthen its bond as the premiere team in the South Bay. The D-League affiliate will relocate with their parent club to the brand new UCLA Health Training Center in Summer 2017. The state-of-the-art facility will keep both teams in El Segundo, giving the South Bay Lakers an opportunity to be a staple in the community for years to come.

Our Look

South Bay’s new colors will put a modern twist on a classic Lakers look. The use of the Lakers’ Purple and Gold alludes to the world-wide influence of the team’s parent brand. South Bay Blue will differentiate between the Lakers entities while honoring the ocean views that are so prominent in the South Bay community.

[Landsberger]

Interesting. I like the "D-Fenders" actually.

Maybe more than 500 fans will start attending with the name change.

I watched most of the D-Fenders games this year to see Zubac and the atmosphere in the "home" gym is that of a high school scrimmage at times. I wish the NBA would build a true minor league but that would mean paying the players bigger bucks than they can get in a dozen other countries and it may rob the spotlight the NBA product.

[lake_show]

Nice. Was never a fan of the D-Fenders name. Always felt like it was too generic. Felt like they could've done a better job of picking a name that better connected them to either the Lakers brand or the LA area. The "D-Fenders" doesn't do any of that.

I like the fact that they're using South Bay as their primary city name. People in the South Bay are pretty hardcore about their area. Could bring them a few extra loyal South Bay fans. Not sure how I feel about them using the exact same name as the Lakers. Still a way better name than D-Fenders though.

Overall I like it. Glad they're making a change. South Bay Lakers. Let's Go!

[Chuck Everett]

The new practice facility will be an upgrade, but I thought they were going to play the games in another arena (like Ontario) or something. Playing the games in a practice facility doesn't help grow the baby Lakers team in the community IMO.

[Dr Aki]

Our Look

South Bay’s new colors will put a modern twist on a classic Lakers look. The use of the Lakers’ Purple and Gold alludes to the world-wide influence of the team’s parent brand. South Bay Blue will differentiate between the Lakers entities while honoring the ocean views that are so prominent in the South Bay community.

so UCLA?

[So Gutta]

D-Fenders was an awful name.

"Hey let's be sure to remind everyone that we are in the D-League" Hence, D-Fenders. Always thought it was pathetic.