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So Karl Malone is on his way to Los Angeles.
Avid Jazz fans can’t wish him basketball luck since now he’ll be with the Utah team’s archrivals. But they can, and should, thank him for 18 memorable years.
Yes, 18-years ago tomorrow, a big-eyed youngster from Louisiana nicknamed the "Mailman" rode a float in the annual Days of ’47 Parade. It happened to be his 22nd birthday and gave Utahns their first glimpse of a future Hall of Famer.
Who could have known then what lay ahead?
Stockton to Malone! A tradition of winning! Conference championships! The NBA finals! Perennial all-star! Two-time league MVP! Olympic gold! Record setting scorer! Iron man! Indeed, the best power forward ever to play the game!
For all his curious temper tantrums and idiosyncrasies, Karl Malone was something special, for basketball, yes, but also for his profound impact on the broader Utah community. And now he’s on his way to L.A., to chase what eluded him in Salt Lake City – that beguiling and coveted championship ring.
Although avid Jazz fans may be reluctant to cheer on the Lakers, KSL hopes the best for the Mailman and his family in all other aspects of his life. And once his quest for athletic immortality is over, it would be nice to have them come back home.
