The Lakers are wrapping up one of their worst seasons in franchise history, and with a future full of uncertainty, the team appears to be taking no chances in terms of its season ticket sales.
L.A. has always had a waiting list for people to purchase season tickets, which is a product of the team’s long-standing success as well as its large market location. So it isn’t likely (at all) that they wouldn’t max out season ticket sales once again next year, despite how dreadful the past two campaigns have been.
But if any current customers were considering waiting to make their decision until the team’s first round draft position was revealed, the Lakers have made a move of their own to ensure that’s not possible.
We have obtained a copy of the renewal notice that was sent to current season ticket holders, and have excerpted the message from the team to its fans below -- along with its drop-dead date to renew, which doesn’t at all appear to have been chosen by accident.
“On behalf of the entire Los Angeles Lakers family, I would like to thank you for your passionate support this year. This has been a tough season for all of us; however the support from our loyal fans has never wavered. While all of us can appreciate the unprecedented excellence and success we’ve experienced over the years, none of us are content simply resting on the laurels of our past achievements. Please know that our goal and our mission to deliver you a championship caliber team every year remains the same. We hope that you will be a part of the excitement once again.”
“The Final renewal deadline for your 2014-2015 Lakers Season Tickets is May 19, 2014.”
The NBA will hold its Draft Lottery on May 20.
Now, this may seem sinister on the surface, but in reality, it’s simply good business sense.
If the Lakers happen to land the number one overall pick in the draft, there will be a buzz around the team that will make selling tickets that much easier, and knowing exactly how many season ticket packages are available will help the marketing machine kick into high gear just as soon as that pick is announced.
It doesn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things, because again, the Lakers are likely to sell out of their allotment of season tickets regardless of how the lottery turns out. But just in case anyone on the alleged bandwagon was thinking about jumping off based on where the team drafts, the team has officially removed that as an option.