Indiana Pacer guard George Hill has ripped into his team’s fan base for their lack of support during a recent home loss to the Lakers. Hill couldn’t believe a majority of the crowd was rooting for Los Angeles.
The Lakers have been hot lately. After a disastrous start to the season they climbed back into playoff contention and could make a serious run once the post season starts. Even with Kobe Bryant nursing a sprained ankle things are looking up for the southern California powerhouse.
George Hill, whose Pacers are currently the two seed in the Eastern Conference, was less than happy Indiana fans didn’t come out in numbers for the big matchup. While the Indianapolis Star was interviewing David West after the game, Hill was heard speaking his mind loudly to Roy Hibbert.
Hill complained, “it sucks. It was 70 (Lakers fans) – 30 (Pacers fans) out there.” He then ripped into Pacers fans saying, “These are the same people that wants autographs after the game. We’re out there in the community. We’re doing our job, doing what we’re supposed to do on and off the court. Something has to change.”
The Lakers are the most popular team in the NBA though and any competing team, regardless of record, should expect a high turnout of Lakers fans at any game. Lakers fans who do not live in Los Angeles only get a chance to see their team a few times a year, so it makes sense they would come out in such large numbers.
George Hill’s frustration is understandable. The Pacers have a 40-25 record and games should be selling out long before game day. Lakers’ fans in the area may have just planned further ahead than Pacers fans, leading to the less than friendly opposing fan numbers.
Whatever the reason, George Hill made the unfortunate mistake of voicing his opinion too close to the listening ears of the media. He probably did not intend for his words to become so public and it will be interesting to see what kind of damage control he does.
Do you George Hill had a point in ripping into Pacers’ fans for their lack of support against the Lakers?