Last year during the playoffs, I grew to hate the Orlando Magic. They completely dissected the Cavs. And then something happened. I grew to appreciate them. In fact, I cheered for them in the finals. Yep. I rooted against the Lakers. I guess I just like the fact that such a great team can come out of such a small market.

Here’s a recommendation. Go to a smaller city, preferably one with only one professional franchise and check out how they treat that team. I have never been to a stadium that was as festive as the Amway Arena. It’s something to see.

That’s not to say that we don’t appreciate our teams here in LA. But let’s face facts. We have two baseball teams, two hockey teams, and two basketball teams. Not to mention that we have two Pac Ten Schools that are maybe fifteen miles apart from each other. With so much going on, attention gets divided.

It’s just a much different vibe being in a city that only has one team to get behind and cheer for. Of course, it helps that this town has a team with the likes of Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Jameer Lewis, Matt Barnes, and JJ Redick on it.