NBA prohibits Lakers' lucky black uniforms in semifinals vs. Pelicans / News - Basketnews.com

Lakers clinched a spot in the NBA's In-Season Tournament semifinals, maintaining an undefeated record in their black "city edition" uniforms, but the NBA has mandated they wear gold jerseys due to concerns over visual contrast on the specialized court.

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Los Angeles Lakers secured their ticket to Las Vegas and a spot in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament semifinals with a 106-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. They achieved this milestone while donning their popular black alternative "city edition" uniforms.

Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule

Oklahoma City Thunder Los Angeles Lakers133-110 Los Angeles Lakers Houston Rockets107-97 Los Angeles Lakers Phoenix Suns106-103 Los Angeles Lakers New Orleans PelicansFri02:00 Dallas Mavericks Los Angeles LakersWed00:30 San Antonio Spurs Los Angeles Lakers12-1401:00

The players have embraced the aesthetic of these jerseys, and the team boasts an undefeated record in the striking black uniforms throughout the NBA In-Season Tournament.

The Lakers clinched victories in two group-play games against the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz and continued their winning streak with a quarterfinal triumph over the Suns.

Despite the players' preference to continue wearing the black ensemble in the upcoming semifinal against the New Orleans Pelicans, ESPN sources indicate that the NBA has different plans.

According to the team's uniform schedule, the Lakers will wear their gold "icon" jerseys, while the Pelicans will be in their white "association" uniforms.

The NBA's decision is rooted in concerns over the visual contrast between the black jerseys and the design of the specialized In-Season Tournament court at T-Mobile Arena, as reported by ESPN.

Upon learning that the Lakers won't be allowed to wear black in the semifinals, one player expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "That's ass," per ESPN.

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