Lakers give Staples Center fans white towels before must-win Game 4 vs. Spurs

How confident are the Los Angeles Lakers that they'll stave off elimination at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 on Sunday night? Check out the pump-up favor they're handing out to fans who come out to the Staples Center to root on the home team:

On one hand, yes, the white giveaway towel matches the white home uniforms that the Lakers have long worn during Sunday afternoon Staples Center contests; in that respect, it's an extension of a fun, respected element of tradition and beloved Laker lore.

On the other, there's something less than rousing about giving fans an item that can serve as both a white flag to wave and a towel to throw in before a do-or-die Game 4 that comes after three games in which the Spurs have flat-out dominated the Lakers, including a crushing 31-point Game 3 win. Not exactly "Once more into the breach, dear friends"-caliber stuff, right?

Then again, if the Lakers come out hot, knock down some early perimeter jumpers and get out to a lead on the heavily favored and sweep-seeking Spurs, these freebies could turn into rally towels that fans can twist 'round their heads and spin like helicopters. And really, what's more rousing or inspiring than a Petey Pablo song from August 2001? Nothing, that's what.

Hat-tip to ESPN LA 710's Beto Duran.