I have to agree. Even though it’s now been taken on by a large operator, there’s no excuse for not retaining the Lakers name. Wetherspoons don’t seem to have a problem with individual names at sites that reflect the building’s past or something locally significant.
I suspect someone in corporate office or their brand consultancy has said “what the hell is Laker, we need something bang on point for an airport, a bit retro so it’s trendy...oh yes, the Navigator”.
Credit where it’s due though for stocking local beers.