Overview

• The NBA has mandated that the Los Angeles Lakers switch from their black 'city edition' uniforms to their gold 'icon' jerseys for the upcoming in-season tournament semifinal against the New Orleans Pelicans.
• The decision is due to concerns over the visual contrast between the black jerseys and the design of the specialized in-season court at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
• The Lakers have been undefeated in the tournament while wearing the black uniforms, sparking disappointment among some players about the change.
• The Lakers have previously had success wearing black uniforms, including a 4-1 record in the 2020 NBA bubble postseason while wearing Kobe Bryant 'Black Mamba' tribute uniforms.
• The winner of the Lakers-Pelicans game will advance to the final against either the Indiana Pacers or Milwaukee Bucks.