LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers won't have fans at Staples Center during the upcoming regular season until further notice.
The NBA champions made the long-expected decision official Tuesday for the new season, which will begin Dec. 22.
The Lakers also apparently don't plan to hang their 17th title banner until fans are in the stands to celebrate the moment with them.
"We appreciate your continued support and look forward to coming together, when it is safe to do so, to celebrate the raising of our banner and the quest for another NBA championship," the team said in a statement.