The Raptors will introduce to the public a "redesigned"
uniform at a reception today, according to Robert MacLeod of
the Toronto GLOBE & MAIL. An unidentified team source
called the changes "quite radical" and said, "Basically the
front and the back are different colours. It will be the
first jersey (in the NBA) that actually does that." The new
design will not include the cartoon dinosaur, the team's
logo since its inaugural season in '95-96, but will keep the
team colors of purple and white. The team's management
decided that the Raptor icon "no longer fits the desired
image" of the team and that the "need was for a mature,
contemporary look" that was characteristic of a more "grown-
up basketball team." The source: "It [the logo] helped sell
a lot of merchandise. But for the players, ... they're
especially pleased that icon has been removed." The uniform
was designed by the Raptors and Nike (GLOBE & MAIL, 9/30).
STRIPE DREAMS: The Lakers' new uniforms will be
unveiled at a press conference Friday and modeled by players
Rick Fox and Derek Fisher, as well some celebrities. The
uniforms are "expected to be a modest adaption" of the
current ones and will be all gold with a V-necked tank top
and stripes going down the side (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 9/30).
