Sebastian is my ten-year old and he says some of the funniest things–we have no idea where he gets his material since his mother and I are rather boring, serious people. 

Growing up, I was a sports fanatic in the truest sense of the word. I was obsessed: I would watch any competition, no matter how mundane: hot-dog eating contest, Professional Bowlers Tour, even the Putt-Putt competitions on the local feed out of Toledo.

During the World Series, I would say I was going to bed only to camp out on the stairs, watching the game as my parents snored on the couch.

Obsession in any form is unhealthy so I was determined to let my boys find their own way—if they wanted to follow sports, I would be there to guide, if not, well, I would (try to) support their other interests.

Recently though, I realized I needed to step in a bit in order to spare them from public humiliation.

Me: “Did you know that LeBron is leaving the Cavaliers?”

Sebastian: “Duh! He is playing for the Lakers now.”

Me: “Well, not quite yet, but yes, he signed with the Lakers.”

Pause. Hesitant to ask the next question….

Me: “Where do the Lakers play?”

Seba (with confidence): “San Jose!”

I paused again, hoping he was kidding….

Me (after about a minute): “You’re kidding, right?”

Seba: “Yes!” Another pause. “Pittsburgh?”

Me: “Are you messing with me?” It did not seem so. “The Lakers? It is one of the iconic franchises in this country, like the New York Yankees!”

Seba: “The Lakers are from New York?”

Dejected, I told him the actual location.

Later that night, I recounted the episode at the dinner table for my wife with Sebastian present.

My wife: “Do you remember where the LLLLLakers play?”

Seba: “London?”