Dodgers Pass the Lakers in the Battle for Los Angeles

For the first time in four years, the Dodgers have passed the Lakers in being rated the most popular team in Los Angeles.

According to the LA Times, a recent study conducted by Loyola Marymount asked over 2,400 Los Angeles County adult residents to identify their favorite pro sports team. The Dodgers received 36% of the votes while the Lakers received 35%.

Both teams received five times more votes than any other team with “Los Angeles” in their team name. This year’s survey marks the first time in the four years since the study began that the Dodgers have dethroned the Lakers as the most popular professional team in Los Angeles.

During the first year of this survey conducted by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center, the Lakers were a runaway favorite receiving nearly 42% of the votes. Whereas the Dodgers remained consistent receiving just about 35% of votes.

The fact that the Dodgers are now considered LA’s most popular team may have a lot to do with the recent decline of the Lakers performance the past four season. But also attest to the team’s success the past four season.

Although the Dodgers have yet to win a World Series within the previous four seasons, the team is coming off of four consecutive NL West championships, including two deep runs into the postseason (2013 & 2016).

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On the contrary, the Lakers have had their worst four seasons in franchise history and saw their most polarizing star, Kobe Bryant retire last season.

This survey did not include residents of Orange County, so teams like the Anaheim Ducks were not included. The survey concluded with the Clippers receiving 7%, Angels and Kings each receiving 6%, the Galaxy and Rams receiving 5%, and the Sparks gaining less than 1%.

2,400 votes is a very small percentage of LA County when you consider that LA County has a population of over 10 million residence. But still, it’s rewarding that Dodger fans can finally say they are on top in the “Fight for L.A.”

Earlier this month Forbes magazine ranked the Dodgers organization as the 2nd most valuable MLB franchise. The Lakers ranked similarly on the Forbes NBA franchise list as they came in 2nd valued at $3 billion. Regardless of how this survey’s results, neither franchise is losing out on value.

It would be interesting to see with Magic Johnson involved with both franchises who will stay on top in the battle for LA. It’s clear that winning is the most important factor in Los Angeles and right now the Dodgers are better suited to bring a championship back to LA before the Lakers.

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So even with the Lakers 16 championships, for the time being, they’ll have to take a back seat when it comes to being named L.A.’s favorite team. That’s not to say the Dodgers should make themselves a home at the top spot. If the Dodgers want to keep this top rank, they most likely will have to start winning more than just division titles.