Nearly 8 years ago, in January of 2010, I took over Forum Blue & Gold from Kurt Helin. I read that sentence now and still wonder where the time went. Nearly 8 years of coming here, my second home, every day to write, discuss, argue, agree, and just hang out with all of you. And all because of the Lakers. We’ve seen the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows with this team. Day in, day out…here.
If you read that paragraph above and then glanced at the title of this post, maybe you think you’re getting rid of me. You’re probably thinking “like, finally, this dude is leaving”. Sorry suckers, you’re stuck with me for a while longer. In fact, you’re going to get even more of me. Lucky you.
Change is afoot at FB&G. For the first time since I took over the site, I am looking to grow and expand. I’m looking to make it bigger and better. To do that, I will be doing more. I’ll be writing more, covering more topics, trying to do the best I can to expand the coverage we provide by bringing you more diversity in topics and offering more range in the types of pieces that go up here. I hope that makes the site better. I believe it will.
What I know will make the site better, though, is what I’m going to say next.
I am bringing on Pete Zayas as a partner and full time contributor to FB&G. You know Pete as @LakerFilmRoom and as my podcast partner. I see Pete as more than that, though. I see him as one of the smarter, more insightful Lakers fans I know. I see him as someone who makes amazing breakdown videos, someone who can explain the game as well as anyone, and someone who is going to work extremely hard for and with you, the reader, to make us all smarter fans. Pete’s motto is that he’s dedicated to the study of Lakers basketball. Well, now that dedication will be expressed here at FB&G.
Pete is someone who’s work has already graced this site, so you might already be aware of what he’s capable of. If you’re not, though, you can see his work on Lonzo Ball’s scoring or on the passes Lonzo made in summer league to create advantages offensively. Pete will be doing more of his magical video breakdowns, but he’ll also be writing more and giving you his insights in more traditional posts. I could not be more excited to have Pete on board. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming him.
Pete won’t be the only addition to our staff, either. We’re going to ramp up our social media and will have wunderkind Grant Goldberg (@GrantGoldberg) manning the 1’s the 2’s on a new twitter account (@ForumBlueGold_) and Instagram page (@forumbluegold). Give Grant and our site accounts a follow for all the updates and current goings on related to FB&G.
And there will be more contributors (including some familiar names) popping up too. Just know, though, that we — all of us who will be bringing you content — will try our best to continue to give you the best we can. Whether that’s analysis, breakdowns, news, rumors, game previews and recaps, or any other Lakers subject under the sun.
Nearly 8 years ago when I took over the site, I wrote this:
My goal for the future of this site is simple: I want to grow this site while keeping alive the tradition that has been established over the past 5 years. The foundation has been laid, let’s build this thing bigger than ever before and evolve the site to its next incarnation. We’ll be here every single day trying to make this site the best place for Lakers fans to follow our team. I hope to have you join us.
As true as that was then, it’s even more true now. We are ready to get after it.
One last thing. There will be more changes over the coming weeks and months here at FB&G. We plan to redesign the site, implement a new commenting platform, and make more tweaks to the look and general feel of the site. Like all change, it will take some adjusting. Not only for you, the readers and loyal members of the community who come here every day, but for me and the other contributors as well.
Know, though, that the spirit of the site will not change. My dedication to providing readers smart and nuanced commentary and analysis is rooted in running this site at all. They go hand in hand; there is no FB&G without the ethos Kurt established and I have tried to maintain since 2010. So, many things are and will continue to change with the site as we approach the season, but what I feel is most important (and what makes this site what it is) will not.
Let’s go.
MT87 says
Has it really been eight years since you took over for Kurt? Damn, that time went by fast. I have always appreciated this site for its intelligent writing and community. I have loved the pod and the collaboration with Pete and I couldn’t be more excited about the future of Forum Blue and Gold. This is the best Lakers site around. Keep it up!
Lou says
Good news. I go to the sight every morning. You’re my connection to the Lakers. I’m looking forward to this year even more now.
Pete Zayas says
I’m incredibly honored to be joining FB&G. Darius’ emphasis on quality, thoughtful content in an industry that is so driven by clicks and views was inspirational in the formation of Laker Film Room, and continues to be. Over the last several months of doing the podcast with him I’ve come to realize what kindred spirits we are, and this is a natural fit.
One word that I use almost every time in the dozens of phone conversations that we’ve had regarding this is “prolific”. I want us to create a ton of quality content this year. Let’s go.
LakerDan says
This is by far my favorite Lakers read and because I’m a dedicated fan, it’s also my favorite sports site. I read lots of sites to stay abreast of sports in general but as a Lakers fan, the depth that you guys bring is amazing. Thanks and keep up the great work. The fun years are about to begin again.
KevTheBold says
Scared me there for a second !
Glad you’re staying and expanding, and that Pete is coming officially on-board !
You two make a magnificent duo !
Yes, please do stick around, as this place is an oasis in a desert – an island above a shark infested sea – and a library beyond the shooting gallery.
K says
Awesome!! You two are great on the podcast and in your individual efforts. Cannot wait to see where this all goes!!!
Anonymous says
First order of business should be hiring a professional layout/design person to update the look of this site. That angelfire homebrew look just ain’t cutting it. But the content is fire. Keep it up. Looking forward to more frequent updates!
Pete Zayas says
We’re on top of that.
JustinG says
Congratulations to the newest members of FB&G and also a big thanks to Darius for continuing to provide timely and quality content for all us Laker nerds out here. Pete and Grant been doing good work for a minute so I think this is an excellent marriage of contributors to the brand. Stoked to see the forthcoming changes. 12 more days until the first preseason game!
A Horse With No Name says
Exciting news. This site can grow, big time. . . . let’s hope the comments continue to do justice to the content. What about merging the LFRoom with FB&G? That would be something.
lil pau says
This is like Durant joining the Warriors– the best just got better. Welcome aboard, Pete, I’m a great fan of your terrific podcast and have been a huge fan of this site since the Kurt days.
Pete Zayas says
Really appreciate that, man. Incredibly excited to work with Darius and for all of the ideas that we have for the site to come to fruition.
Ed says
Sort of what`s going with the Lakers,some tweaking to make things better going into a new season.
Renato Afonso says
Welcome aboard. Now, start typing… Ahah
CraigW. says
One more thing to look forward to this season.
Anonymous says
y’all do a great job- I’m looking forward to what’s in store
drrayeye says
Interesting times ahead–hopefully not just for FB&G.
Kareeme says
Second that this is like Durant to the Warriors. You two and the rest of the writers here are the best in the biz. A balance of analytics, analysis, news, and wax poetics. You are all amazing, and this change will certainly make the best even better. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come and means the Lakeshow are getting two max players in the next year.
Thank you for all that you have done with this site Darius. Eight years since you took over from Kurt. Wow. It has been a long time… #WhenYouFeelInternetOld
dxmanners says
Appreciate your efforts fellas, go to it…
DieTryin' says
Darius, very happy that the thrust of the post you wrote went the direction it did. Was really expecting it to be a thanks for the memories thing. Whew.
And stoked to have Pete doing his thing on a more formal and frequent basis. FB&G has always been the best Lakers site around both in terms of content but also for the quality of its readers. Looking forward to the best just getting better.
the other Stephen says
Wow! It seems like yesterday when you first took over the site. I’ve been following Pete at LG for a number of years, and you and Kurt here at FBG for much longer, and this is happy, welcome news. Looking forward to you guys continuing to grow in your work together!
P.S. on one of your first LFR Soundcloud podcasts, I commented that this is one of the greatest rapper collabs of all time, and I still feel that way. 🙂
david h says
Darius: time flies when you’re having fun? Good to see all the familiar names.
When you joined Pete doing podcasts it gave a sound, a enjoyable voice , an expression to your forum blue and gold site. Good to hear that Pete has joined you officially; welcome aboard Pete and looking forward to hear from you and Darius all things Lakers and especially how you two will weave basketball thoughts together much like you do on your podcasts. The timing is perfect.
Go lakers
Gizpacho says
I love visiting this site. I remember where I was (looking at FB&G while at work) when the Darius Takeover was announced. Ever since, this site and Twitter account has been my primary lakers news source, far superior to many other links. The lakers chatter by followers and posters is the most engaging and respectful online sports forum I have witnessed.
Congratulations to those who have worked hard to create this platform and fill it with thoughtful content. Thanks to my fellow fans who contribute and conversate on all things Laker with me.
Re: web changes.
I used to also frequent another laker site, but they’re articles and web pages were so bogged down with advertisement, picture files and fu-fu web page coding that I couldn’t access on my phone browser to tap into the actual content. That would be a real bummer if it happened here.
SamSinister says
I second this all, as a lurker and (intermittent) commenter (formerly as “Don Ford”) since early Kurt days.
Was wary when the site changed over to Darius, and it has been great … and I guess years have passed?! This site is so much different from the slapdash, clickbait, emptily-written, superficially-commented Lakers sites … this is like a steak compared to the various bags of chips out there.
With a resurgence of the Laker team, excited that this site is going to blossom in many ways as well. Looking forward to it !
Fulofunk says
Woohoo! My favorite site just got better? Yesss! This has always been my first go to site every morning. It has kept me going in the down months and keeps my hopes alive during the season. I appreciate the rules in place for comments and how respectfully everyone approaches topics here. Welcome Pete and Grant, officially, and I look forward to the analysis. More IS better here as I can now anticipate frequent posts that are always insightful now matter how small or large. I do hope, as you said Darius, that there will continue to be an emphasis on writing and, possibly, more video analysis? Not a big fan of podcasts, though I know they are important, but I do look forward to the posts I can read, and re-read…..I’m a terrible listener. Anyway, the best just got better and I look forward to supporting any way I can…I would even drop some coin as a subscriber….this doesn’t come easy for me…ha!….if it meant more of what I already look forward to on a daily basis. So glad I found the best forum around with the best comment posters (is that the proper name for an entity?) to go with it!
In the words of KC and the Sunshine Band…Keep it comin’/ Don’t stop no don’t stop.
FredP says
Combining my two favorite Lakers sites into one? Yes, please. The last few years have been painful and I appreciate all that Darius has done to make it less so and to help understand what has been going on. Pete’s video analyses are way beyond content I have seen elsewhere and are needed to see the games within the game. The pods have been a lot of fun and I am glad they have become an integral part of the site. It is time for hoops (almost)!