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The Los Angeles
Lakers signed a long-term extension with the Anschutz
Entertainment Group to remain at Staples Center through 2041.
The agreement essentially keeps the Lakers in the arena for 20
more seasons, and ends any chance of the team departing to build
its own facility when the team's initial 25-year lease was
slated to expire three seasons from now.
The agreement includes a commitment from AEG to make significant
improvements and upgrades to the 22-year-old facility.
"We are excited to extend our partnership with AEG. Staples
Center ranks as one of the best arenas in the world to play and
watch basketball and we are thrilled to be able to call it home
for another two decades," Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said in a new
release. "The decision was made first and foremost with our fans
and players in mind, and AEG's commitment to investing
significant capital in the arena means that the Lakers will
continue to play in one of the world's premier venues."
The Lakers began playing in the building with the 1999-2000
season. The NBA's Los Angeles Clippers currently play in the
building but are working toward leaving for a new arena in
Inglewood.
The Los Angeles Kings of the NHL and Los Angeles Sparks of the
WNBA also use the facility.
Before moving into Staples Center, the Lakers played at The
Forum in Inglewood for 32 seasons. In its heyday, the building
was referred to as the "Fabulous Forum."
-Field Level Media
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