The Los Angeles Lakers honored military veterans with their Hoops for Troops clinic. Military members were able to practice their basketball skills and scrimmage on the hardwood of Crypto.com Arena. The Hoops for Troops clinic was done in partnership with Pechanga.
“Native Americans serve at a higher rate in the military, more than any other ethnic group in America,” said Pechanga Resort Casino vice president of development corporation Sean Vasquez. “This isn’t another event to have fun, this is about creating real moments for real heroes of America and we want to do that so we can create memories for the people who mean so much in our community.”
Showtime Lakers Michael Cooper and James Worthy participated in the clinic, encouraging the vets as they completed running, ball handling, and passing drills.
“The Hoops for Troops, sponsored by Pechanga, has been one of my favorite events of the year,” Worthy said. “It’s a special day to appreciate veterans and troops both active and veterans to come out here and give them a piece of Laker land.”
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The vets also took part in playing two-on-two scrimmages, their teammates chosen at random. Two of the military members battled against Cooper in a shooting contest before going head-to-head in a knockout game.
“They do so much for our country and they’re putting their lives on the line and their significant others are away,” Cooper said. “This is our opportunity to give back to them … just a fun time for them.”
Gabriel Concepcion, who is in his fifth year serving in the Air Force, won the knockout game. Both competitors left the clinic with basketballs autographed by Worthy and Cooper.
“It’s grateful to know that there’s organizations out there that recognize what we do, no matter the sacrifice for our family, our friends and then the service members themselves,” Concepcion said. “It’s been awesome … just brings great pride and all the more reason to keep pushing on.”
Basketball skills were not the only thing the veterans practiced. Cooper had the vets stand in a big circle on the hardwood and take turns dancing to the music.
“Whenever I get around basketball, I kind of become that kid again,” Cooper said. “I’m always enjoying myself out on the court and if they put music on, that’s double trouble because I’m dancing and having a good time.”
Worthy and Cooper were teammates for eight seasons during one of the most dominant eras of Lakers history.
“Since [Cooper] most recently went into the Hall of Fame, we’re both in there now, so we’re in the fraternity together,” Worthy said. “Cooper’s a great people guy. He’s coached, he’s won championships as a player and a coach with the WNBA, so it’s nice to always see him.”
