Early Topps Basketball - Curious Question

[Boots]

I've noticed that in the 1970-71 Topps set (and perhaps the 69-70, but don't recall as I sit here and type) and the 71-72 Sticker set, some players appear with their jerseys on backwards (i.e. so that the player's name is on the front). It is not (pardon the pun) uniform, however. Some players appear with their jerseys on properly.
I'd like to know why.
The only thing I can think of is that certain teams had copyrights on their names and/or logos and did not give Topps the right to use same, but this is just speculation on my part.
If anyone knows why this is, I'd like to know.
Thanks.
Boots

 

[SymphonicMetal]

I have to research this a little further over the next few days but you may be correct on the teams having copyright issues with Topps. All the Lakers uniforms are backwards in 1972-72 and all but Walt Frazier have their jerseys on backwards for the Knicks. I'm wondering if certain teams did this for copyright purposes or were they pulling a joke on the photographers who may not have known the difference?

Here is Jerry Lucas's 72-73 card which looks hilarious.

https://www.tradingcarddb.com/ViewCard.cfm/sid/2018/cid/630819/1972-73-Topps-15-Jerry-Lucas

And here is his teammate Walt "Clyde" Frazier with his uniform on correctly. Since Clyde was known to be very stylish and dapper, he may not have gone along with the gag, if it indeed was a gag.

 

[SymphonicMetal]

I have to research this a little further over the next few days but you may be correct on the teams having copyright issues with Topps. All the Lakers uniforms are backwards in 1972-72 and all but Walt Frazier have their jerseys on backwards for the Knicks. I'm wondering if certain teams did this for copyright purposes or were they pulling a joke on the photographers who may not have known the difference?

Here is Jerry Lucas's 72-73 card which looks hilarious.

https://www.tradingcarddb.com/ViewCard.cfm/sid/2018/cid/630819/1972-73-Topps-15-Jerry-Lucas

And here is his teammate Walt "Clyde" Frazier with his uniform on correctly. Since Clyde was known to be very stylish and dapper, he may not have gone along with the gag, if it indeed was a gag.

https://www.tradingcarddb.com/ViewCard.cfm/sid/2018/cid/630864/1972-73-Topps-60-Walt-Frazier