I was a Magic fan as a kid. I hated the Pistons then and I hate them now. This region is so full of fairweather fans, I refuse to be associated with them. 7 years ago, I couldn't walk the streets without hearing some joke fan yelling Deeeeeetroit Basssketballll. Now these punks are no where to be seen. Same goes for the Tigers and Red Wings. (I hate wings fans) I assume when/if the Lions start winning it'll be the same with them. And yes I know the Lakers have some of the worst fairweather fans around, but that's the beauty of cheering for a team across the country. I don't have to see or hear them.
As for the Lakers buying their titles, until there is a hard cap, they aren't breaking the rules. They aren't doing anything the other teams can't do. Their ridiculous payroll actually benefits teams that are under the luxury tax limit. Oh, there's also 14 teams over the luxury tax threshold, almost 50% of the league, so L.A isn't the only team trying to "buy" titles, they just buy the right players.
If the Bad Boys pulled any of that physical play now they'd be suspended half the season. It's sad but true. All the physicality is gone.