When Juan Toscano-Anderson left the Bay and headed six hours south to Los Angeles, he left behind his childhood and the only NBA team he knew.
When he comes back to Chase Center for the Lakers-Warriors opening night matchup on Tuesday night, the East Oakland native will have a shiny championship ring on his finger along with some new body ink to show off.
With a lot of changes made this summer, JTA figured it was time for a new tattoo. The Lakers forward got the Larry O’Brien trophy tatted on his left forearm.
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After Golden State didn't extend a qualifying offer to Toscano-Anderson, he signed a one-year deal with the Lakers this offseason.
Although Toscano-Anderson will rocking purple and gold this time around, he'll never forget where he came from. A theme that's been instilled in the 29-year-old forward's brain for years as he's never been afraid to represent Oakland and the Bay.
He admitted it's been different for his close friends and family to shift over from Dub Nation to the Lakers fandom, but in the end, family is everything. JTA called the return to Chase Center "bittersweet" but is thankful for maintaining his close relationships with all of his former teammates.
Golden State Warriors
"I mean, we’re family first. So they’re always going to root for me first and foremost," Toscano-Anderson said. "I don’t know if I can say this but I’m still a Warriors fan man, that’s my team growing up. I’m from Oakland. I’m loyal to my soil. Like I said, I’m still close with all the guys on that team.
"[I'm] still close with Kent Lacob who gave me a chance in Santa Cruz. The relationships are never going to end just because we’re playing against each other. This game of basketball brings you together. I’m just going to cherish and nurture those relationships for the rest of my life."
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Tuesday will be an eventful and emotional night for Toscano-Anderson and his family. During shootaround Tuesday afternoon, he told KRON4's Jason Dumas that he basically took all of his teammates' tickets to accommodate his entire family. He also bought floor tickets for his mom, something he said he's never done before.
And while he's excited for ring night, he's even more excited to beat his former team.
"It’s always amazing to come back home. Home is where the heart is, right? This is where I started my NBA career. The guys on the other team are like my brothers still," he said. "Obviously tonight when we’re wearing different jerseys when we step out on the floor, it’s a different occasion. But I’m really excited. But I definitely want to win the game. That’s probably at the top of my priority list because it’s not gonna feel the same if I’m going home with a ring and then with an L as well. It’ll feel amazing to walk out of here with my ring and a W."