C.B. Enyard may live all the way in Missouri, but she’s a die-hard Lakers and Sasha fan. Each year, the 29-year old and her friends make at least one trip to watch a live game. (She’s the one in the center of this photo.) She loves Sasha’s spirit and work ethic and was happy to share her enthusiasm with us.

How long have you been a fan?

I’m a child of the 80s, so I grew up watching Showtime! Even though I grew up in the Midwest, in a city without an NBA team, I fashioned myself to Los Angeles. It always seemed like the Lakers were on TV and they always won – at least in my mind – so that’s when my love started.

I became a fan of Sasha during the ’05-06 season, his second year.

What was it about Sasha that first caught your attention?

During that ’05-06 season, I kept thinking, “Who is this 16-year-old and why is he playing professional basketball!?” Then I discovered the kid had tenacity and passion and he quickly became one of my favorite Lakers. He has a quick trigger and he’s not afraid to shoot but he also hustles and what’s not to love about a player who works hard every possession?

What are some of your favorite things about Sasha?

I love that he never backs down. I remember in the Charlotte Bobcats game, he got right back in Raymond Felton’s face after Felton tried to start something. And last season, when Rafer Alston was trying to embarrass him late in the Houston game by doing all that fancy dribbling, Sasha said enough of that and fouled him hard. That’s the kind of pride I like seeing. Sasha isn’t a troublemaker but he’s not going to get run over, either.

I also love the way he celebrates with a fist pump after making a solid defensive play, like getting his opponent to travel or lose the ball out of bounds. That shows me he takes pride in the little things and I LOVE that.

Do you have a favorite Sasha moment or game?

Favorite moment, hands down, Game 3 in the Finals. To me, that was his coming out party to the rest of the world. Laker fans already knew he was a baller but everybody else had to recognize “The Machine,” haha. Plus, in post-game, he looked darn cute in that all-black suit.

What is it like being a fan in Missouri?

More often than not, you’ll run into Laker haters out here. Don’t understand why people hate greatness … but hey, it’s their loss. I have a friend over here who is a San Antonio Spurs fan, so he gives me all kinds of grief about my Lakers and my love for Sasha. But it’s all in fun. I have ordered the NBA League pass for three straight years now so I catch all the games and although I do know a few Laker fans out here, I do most of my cheering with friends out in Cali.

Tell us about your annual trips to see the Lakers.

Well, for the past three years, me and a couple of my Cali friends have taken in one Lakers game on the coast. They live in different parts of California, so we hit up the closest NBA arena to them and follow the Lakers. (Of course, they think I’m visiting them but it’s really just a trip to see my team, haha.) In 2006, we saw the Lakers at Staples against Houston. The next year, we went to the Bay to catch the Lakers at Oracle Arena. Last year, we went to Sacramento for the April 5 game. This year, I met a friend who lives in Portland and we went to the April 10 game. And now with the Oklahoma City Thunder only two states away, I’ve added an annual trip to OKC to see the boys. The Lakers must be recession proof because I’m spending mad money to see them, haha.

How is your green boycott going?

I’ll tell you this story. As I was shopping for a fleece jacket for my trip to Portland, I came across a comfy and affordable one … that just so happened to be green. The fleece fit right, it felt good and it was just what I was looking for but, honest to God, I thought about Boston and said, “I can’t wear this!” So I put the fleece back on the rack and settled for a loud orange one. Laker pride, baby!

If you could say one thing to Sasha, what would it be?

Sasha! Bring it home this year, buddy. Win it all. We’re all counting on you guys. So I’m sending positive thoughts and wishing good success your way from here until June. We believe in the Bench Mob! Laker Nation has your back and keep being the good player and most importantly, the great person you are.