They're Playing Basketball (and meeting the President)

Obama praises Lakers as champs visit White House
AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) – US President and avid basketball fan Barack Obama welcomed the reigning NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers to the White House on Monday, honouring the club for achievements on and off the court.

The Lakers, powered by playmaker Kobe Bryant, defeated Orlando in last year's NBA Finals for their 15th NBA title.

Obama praised the team for individual and group donations to the Haiti earthquake relief effort, noting Spanish star Pau Gasol contributed 20,000 dollars for his 20-point effort against New York.

Obama was especially excited to meet Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who guided Obama's hometown Chicago Bulls to six NBA crowns and the Lakers to four more.

"I've been a fan of coach Jackson's ever since his days running the triangle offense in Chicago," Obama said. "I want to congratulate him on his 10 NBA championship, the most in history. I do want to point out that six of them came with the Bulls."

Obama teased retired Lakers star Magic Johnson about Chicago's 1991 victory over his squad in the NBA Finals, but also singled out the businessman for praise with his work in struggling US inner cities.

"What makes Magic special wasn't just how he played on the court, but also just the infectious enthusiasm about life and what he's doing with businesses and minority communities," Obama said.

Obama called Bryant "one of the most competitive players I've ever seen" after shrugging off a broken finger to lead the championship run.

"If I had a broken finger I would have trouble getting out of bed and he's still leading the team day in and day out," Obama said.

As we all know from the massive election coverage last year President Obama is a huge basketball fan so I can only guess it was a magical moment getting to meet the Lakers. Sure, he's hob knobbed with world leaders and the rich and powerful but you haven't made it until you've met Ron Artest.

I've always wondered why the President has the championship teams to the White House. Is it that much of a thrill for the multi millionaires? I can see why its cool for college champions but but if I had my choice between going to the White House or making the Playboy All American team, I'm pretty sure I'd be rolling up on Hef's lawn.

P.S. - Wouldn't it have been funny if Obama spilled the beans and said that "Magic's great service to the minority community is why we gave him the cure for AIDS."