Amid all the talk of injuries, playoff disappointments, and impending free agent negotiations that typified the second half of the Portland Trail Blazers season, a lighter and more welcome theme emerged. Blazers center Robin Lopez had feuded with league mascots for years, as far back as his days with the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans. But 2015 saw the rivalry go national. Like your regional wrestling feud suddenly hitting the WWE, Lopez was plastered all over ESPN, Inside Stuff, and anywhere people needed a chuckle.
To brighten your day (and our recap) here are a couple of Lopez's best hits against Detroit's "Hooper" and whatever passes for a mascot in Washington.