Re-Branding the Los Angeles Kings

The LA Kings (Los Angeles’ NHL franchise) has had their fair share of logos over the years, and I think it’s time for a change. But before I throw out ideas, let’s take a trip down memory lane:

1967-75: The First Logo

Ah yes, the vintage Kings. An overall nice-looking logo which made sense at the time, as they shared the former “Great Western Forum” with their NBA brethern Los Angeles Lakers.

1976-82

A more simplified version of their original logo. Perhaps my all-time favorite. If they decide to join the throwback trend as so many other NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL teams are doing – This is where I’d start.

1983-88

The last we’d ever of see the the “Forum Blue” and Gold LA Kings. A pre-cursor for things to come.

1989-98: "The Gretzky Era"

When Wayne Gretzky was traded to the Kings from the Edmonton Oilers in one of the most controversial moves in the history of the game, the Kings decided to completely re-brand their image. This was the result.

1995-96: One of the most universally criticized logos in sports history.

A lot of very bizarre uniform changes occurred in the 1990′s. The main offenders were the above logo, the Mighty Ducks “Wild Wing” logo, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the New York Islanders, among others.

1999-2002

Purple made an official comeback in 1999, as the Kings changed their official colors to: Purple, black and silver. The coat-of-arms logo was short-lived, however.

2003-Present

Widespread ridicule and popular demand brought back this familiar look to the Kings, as the re-adopted the crown logo that adorned their uniforms for so many years in the early going of the franchise.

2008-Present Third Jersey Logo

Not exempt from the “modern throwback” trend sweeping the current NHL, the Kings unveiled this beaut in the 2008-09 campaign as a third jersey. It pays homage to several generations of LA Kings logos, while perfectly combining elements of the past, present and future.

Now, the fun part:

This is the direction I think the Kings should head…

Bring it back, please, please, please bring it back! This was the Kings center-ice logo during the time they played at the Great Western Forum during the Gretzky era. Who doesn’t think this would look great on a uni?

Another thought is a re-brand featuring the throwback colors, as seen here:

Not the best per se, but certainly a start.

Or how about this:

I love the prospect of the Kings going back to their old purple and gold color scheme, but I definitely think they should add a black third jersey like the one pictured above. Imagine that jersey, with this crown:

I just jizzed in my pants.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas, please don’t hesitate to bring them up. Also – if you have any artwork, send it my way! I’d love to post it on here!