Los Angeles Lakers: New Black Uniforms in The Future?

Since 2003, the Los Angeles Lakers have occasionally bared their white uniforms to battle, most notably on Sunday games and Christmas Day.

The white jerseys were designed by Jeannie Buss, symbolizing a tribute to the late Laker's PA announcer, Chick Hearn.

Los Angeles' white uniforms make the Lakers one of the few NBA franchises to have alternate jerseys for home games.

Initially, the white uniforms were met with mixed emotions, as even Phil Jackson expressed his disapproval of the white alternates after a game in 2006. (Jackson literally stated that the Lakers looked like little elves and fairies)

However in 2009, most of the NBA fans have seemed to embrace the white uniforms.

It's been well noted that the Lakers have the best selling jerseys in basketball, while Kobe Bryant's jersey is still, the single best selling item within the NBA.

The white uniforms account for around 35 percent of the shares, as in 2009 the white uniforms actually outsold the Laker's away jerseys. (Just look at all the white jerseys that dominate Staples Center, compared to the purple aways)

Imagine if the Lakers introduced an alternate black jersey, to occasionally wear on "big time" road games.

How intimidating would the Lakers be marching into T.D. Banknorth Garden with a dominating black, trimmed with traditional purple and gold?

With strong talks of the Celtics introducing a new alternate jersey for home, (one that would be similar in design to their alternate away uniforms) nothing would be better for the Lakers than to introduce a new black jersey. (No design or print changed whatsoever)

Now many "traditionalists" are probably screaming their lungs out right now, but remember it's not a complete jersey overhaul.

The Lakers' away purple jerseys would still dominate for much of the season, but a touch of black here and there would not hurt.

Again to those traditionalists, the Lakers have changed the design of their jerseys five times since moving to L.A.

Most would agree that those changes have ultimately made the Lakers' uniforms better.

Change is indeed good.  

As we head into the next decade, a fresh, black alternate jersey for the Lakers would do wonders.

Besides, just how good does the black, purple, and gold look?