Lakers' NBA title conquest inspires NLEX's Ravena, Alaska's Manuel

CLARK, Pampanga – NLEX’s Kiefer Ravena and Alaska’s Vic Manuel — who both switched to jersey no. 24 this season to honor the late Kobe Bryant — look forward to drawing inspiration from the Los Angeles Lakers championship in the NBA bubble for their own success here in the PBA Philippine Cup restart.

Ravena and Manuel felt proud and happy yesterday after the Lakers closed out the Miami Heat but reminded themselves of their own work ahead for their respective teams.

“I’m a Lakers fan so I’m happy. As you see, I switched to no. 24 because of Kobe and I’m planning to use it for good,” said Manuel, who previously sported no. 4 and no. 87 jerseys for the Aces.

Alaska dropped its opener against TNT Tropang Giga, 105-95 while NLEX also suffered a 102-92 loss versus Ginebra, motivating Ravena to bounce back with his Black Mamba jersey number on.

“I’m happy as a fan with this Lakers championship. Now, we have to focus in the PBA. I have to definitely play better to represent the number more than anything else,” said Ravena, who has worn no. 15 his entire career before the switch.