LOS ANGELES — Before Tuesday's Sparks game against the Atlanta Dream, an idea struck as I sat in the chair at the announcer's table connected to Chick Hearn's statue in front of Staples Center.
The bronze sculpture of the legendary Lakers play-by-play announcer is one of 10 statues displayed in Star Plaza, and as fans filed into the arena wearing Sparks jerseys and shirts I couldn't help but notice a glaring omission.
The Lakers, Kings and Sparks, who all formerly called the Forum home, each has won multiple championships since moving to Staples Center and have retired jerseys in their new home.