Lakers Being Pushed for Economic Boycott Arizona in Phoenix Series

Don't get me wrong, the idea of the L.A. Lakers actually canceling their Western Conference Finals series against the Phoenix Suns is about as likely as Rush Limbaugh going to the beauty salon with Angela Davis. But just the idea that the Lakers are being pressured to show some gesture of support for those who oppose the new laws against illegal immigration is a huge statement about the growing political power of the Latin American community.

The city council in Los Angeles has already passed a resolution stating that it will not do business with the state of Arizona. This hits hard for a state that has the largest budget deficit in the nation as a percentage of total revenues. The people of Arizona can't afford the economic onslaught they are experiencing, and I expect they will back down soon.

The Latin American community in Los Angeles is now coming after the Lakers, asking that the team stand with them in their opposition to the state of Arizona. The NBA Players Association has already come out and said that the law is "disturbing." Many in L.A. feel that the participation of the Lakers is critical to continuing their push to shut down their Arizona opposition.

"The Lakers are critical to continuing the momentum," says Los Angeles City Council member Jose Huizar.

What's more interesting is that several members of the Phoenix Suns themselves have made statements opposing the law, which is the strongest political statement in professional sports since the 1960s. If only African American athletes could have the courage to speak out on their own issues.

Los Angeles City Council member Richard Alarcon said "I love the Lakers, and hope they repeat [as NBA champions]. But there are some things more important than basketball. Democracy is more important than basketball. And the Lakers should make a statement."

So far, the Lakers are not showing the same outrage as the Los Angeles community when it comes to opposing the law. Lakers spokesman John Black said, "We're in the business of playing basketball, and we're not in the business of getting into a political debate one way or the other."

What's most interesting is that Black's statement seems to forget just how much support the Lakers get from the Latin American community. Los Angeles has the largest hispanic population in the United States, and the last thing the Lakers would need is for Latin Americans to boycott the team itself. While this outcome is highly improbable, it is certainly not impossible, given the amount of momentum this controversy has created.

Thd state of Arizona is now finding out that racism can be expensive. At some point, cooler heads will prevail and the government will likely implement a more sensible way to fight illegal immigration. I only hope they figure this out before the state goes bankrupt.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the new book 'Black American Money.' To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.