The Los Angeles Lakers have a new alternate uniform set to debut this year, though it seems to have angered the fanbase.
The Specter Edition jersey was designed by Nike “exclusively for eight of the league’s most storied franchises whose foundations trace back to the NBA’s earliest eras,” as detailed by Basketball Jersey Archive.
The other teams to get Specter Edition jerseys are the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers.
Jan 6, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Los Angeles Lakers logo against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The jerseys all involve a black background, with purple shapes reminiscent of the Lakers logo asymmetrically placed across the uniform.
The number, written in black with a yellow outline, is small on the front of the jersey, as is the Lakers logo, prompting LA Sports Report’s Ava Brand to call it 8 point font.
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In addition, the players’ names will be below the jersey numbers, which are slightly larger on the back.
Fans clown the new Lakers threads
Immediately upon the jerseys’ debut in a video posted Wednesday afternoon by Lakers All Day Everyday, fans had plenty of jokes.
“All we want is for the jerseys to be gold again instead of piss yellow,” wrote @Igotburners.
Another user pointed out the sentiment that’s being relayed by making the players’ names larger than the team’s name.
“Trash, why tf is the lakers brand soo small, makes it look like the player is bigger then the franchise. Not a good message,” wrote @KinG_WIzarD617.
Many fans also took aim at Nike, expressing disappointment with the largest sports brand in the world and requesting a return to the team’s previous jersey supplier, Adidas.
Even in replies to NBA ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, who shared pics of the jersey, fans were sounding off.
“They look like g league practice jerseys lol please just go back to our regular uniforms,” wrote @lorarezo.
It is a time of upheaval for the Lakers, as they were recently sold by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, then the Buss family announced their departure from the franchise in a very contentious split decision.
With all that going on, it seems the fanbase has at least found some common ground on these jerseys.