Lakers and Bucks Battle in Downtown Los Angeles

I moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada back in 2008. After hitting up Cuba in 2018 and landing my first real job with a paycheck in 2019, I was itching for my next travel adventure. By 2020, I figured it was high time to head south and check out the United States. Sometimes I wonder why I didn't think of this sooner, but I just never felt the urge. As a huge sports fan, the USA's sports scene was a major draw for me. I got into the NBA during high school thanks to my friends and our daily pick-up basketball games at recess. Ever since I can remember, I've loved shouting "Kobe" whenever I tossed anything into a container or trash can, whether it was dirty socks into the laundry basket or an apple core into a school trash can.

So, I started planning this trip by checking out Los Angeles Lakers games and ticket prices. I looked through the Lakers' home games in the New Year, and one matchup really stood out to me (it would catch any NBA fan's attention): the Lakers going up against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Ignoring where my seats were and how pricey they were, I grabbed my ticket, and at that moment, I knew I was heading to Los Angeles, flying solo again. No turning back now. In the weeks after buying the ticket, I booked my flights with Air Canada, snagged a cheap and simple AirBnB, and filled up my itinerary.

I was going to be in Los Angeles for 5 days and this is what I managed to do (I traveled by Uber and by bus):

1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks (March 6, 2020) at the Staples Centre.

   1. Lebron James led the Lakers in scoring, scoring 37 points. Anthony Davis chipped in 30 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 32 points.

   2. It was also the 60th anniversary for the team since moving from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, and every ticket holder received a purple and gold duffle bag at the doors. I did not even consider this milestone, so it was a pleasant surprise to get free swag.

   3. After the game, I stopped outside the Staples Centre to see statues of these Lakers legends - Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson.

2. Booked a walking tour around Griffith Park to view the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. It was informative and a bit dull. I did not expect some mind blowing story about this landmark, so the tour was satisfactory and not too lengthy.

3. Bought tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood.

   1. Highlights include the Harry Potter world, the themed rides (Revenge of the Mummy and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey rides were top notch!), and the choices of snacks and foods.

4. Ventured downtown Los Angeles to visit the Last Book Store (a really cool book store), stopped for a delicious meal at the Grand Central Market, and walked by the Broad Museum and Walt Disney Concert Hall. There was also graffiti and impressive murals in downtown LA.

5. Last but not least, I also had time to visit Venice Beach, and this place was a vibe!

   1. I watched pick up basketball games at the colorful courts.

   2. I walked onto the Venice fishing pier.

   3. Took a gander at Muscle Beach.

   4. Took in all the music, sounds, and the streets were littered with little souvenir shops.

This was a very memorable trip for me and I was happy I was able to do all these things. Los Angeles, one day I will be back!