I'm Just A Sixers Fan! The Lauren Fanoftheyear Story

The time is March 2022, I had the 10th circled on my Sixers calendar. This would be Ben Simmons' first game back at the Wells Fargo Center after the James Harden trade. The question on everyone's mind was, would he play or not?

...and if he did, to boo or not to boo was the real question.

I would also get some unexpected sad news...

The time is the end of February 2022. I traveled to my 10th NBA arena- Madison Square Garden to see my Sixers play the NY Knicks. It would be my first time seeing James Harden play in a Sixers uniform, live. For the first time in a long time, our team was moving in the right trajectory!

Joel Embiid was out there playing MVP-level basketball practically every game. We were watching greatness, and I can honestly say now, that I took that for granted. Our team was also playing well, and I was anxiously awaiting the addition of league assist leader and new Sixer, James Harden.

The time is now February 2022. Ben Simmons wanted out, but Daryl Morey held the cards and made it clear he'd be patient with getting an all-star caliber player in exchange. I wanted James Harden, but not at the risk of giving up Tyrese Maxey or Matisse Thybulle! While this process was playing out, I attended a game and got a point- out from Tobias Harris!

Joel Embiid was having a strong season putting up incredible stats, I was getting more exposure as a Sixers superfan. A conversation with a Facebook friend, would give me the opportunity to be a Sixers Ambassador! I attended another road game, seeing my Sixers play at 9 different NBA arenas and Tyrese Maxey would give me the best Birthday gift ever!

January, 2022- Joel Embiid goes on an incredible scoring streak, making it look easy. That random Wednesday when I shot hoops with Shake Milton and he paid for my lunch at Honeygrow! :-)

I faced my fears and competed in the Society 76 Skills Challenge!

It turned out to be one of my favorite fan experience moments to date!

Also- Joel Embiid was putting up big numbers like it was nothing. It got to a point where we as Sixers fans were expecting nothing less of him every single game. We were witnessing greatness. I don't even think we realized it at the time.

The year is 2021. Kendall and I add another NBA arena to the list and witnessed a milestone game for Joel Embiid, who was already playing at an elevated level. At the end of the game, Joel Embiid would come face to face with Kendall and give her the best surprise birthday gift!

The thought of getting Damian Lillard was quickly diminishing, Ben was still holding out, and how an interaction with Tyrese Maxey on a road trip in Memphis would make my day and have me love him even more!

Despite Ben sitting out, we were still playing well under Doc Rivers. Damian Lillard was with the Portland (Trail)Blazers but he was still an option! I came up with something to add to my Bucket List, and Kendall and I would run into some amazing people during our Sixers road trip to Atlanta.