Compton to The Bay: Kendrick Lamar's new album could be good for the Warriors

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In recent years, a striking parallel has emerged between two West Coast icons: the Golden State Warriors and Compton's own Kendrick Lamar.

(Cue "California Love" by 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre)

Every time Lamar drops an album, the Warriors seem to drop championship banners.

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The team's title-winning seasons (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) perfectly align with Lamar's last four releases: "To Pimp a Butterfly," "DAMN," "Black Panther: The Album," and "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers."

So when Lamar surprised fans Friday with his sixth studio album "GNX," Warriors fans had reason to celebrate.

The Warriors' championship-winning years (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) have lined up with the releases of Lamar's four previous albums ("To Pimp a Butterfly," "DAMN," "Black Panther: The Album," "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.")

The timing couldn't be better -- Golden State currently leads the Western Conference at 11-3 and faces the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) with a chance to notch their sixth 12-3 start in franchise history.

To further support the West Coast agenda: in each of their previous five NBA Finals appearances, every time the Warriors have started 12-3 or better.

The Grammy Award-winner's connections to sports don't stop at the hardwood.
He's set to headline next year's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans -- an announcement that apparently disappointed New Orleans native (and noted Green Bay Packers fan) Lil Wayne.

Lamar addressed this in the album's opening track "wacced out murals," rapping: "I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down... Won the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me."

Perhaps Dub Nation should consider sending Lamar a thank you note -- or at least a championship ring fitting.

ESPN Research contributed to this story

Compton to The Bay: Kendrick Lamar's new album could be good for the Warriors

Compton to The Bay: Kendrick Lamar's new album could be good for the Warriors

Compton to The Bay: Kendrick Lamar's new album could be good for the Warriors

Compton to The Bay: Kendrick Lamar's new album could be good for the Warriors

Compton to The Bay: Kendrick Lamar's new album could be good for the Warriors