Hoops For Troops Day Honors Military, LA Lakers, Pechanga Partnership

TEMECULA, CA — The Los Angeles Lakers and Pechanga Resort Casino jointly hosted the annual Hoops for Troops program on the hardwood at Crypto.com Arena, according to a spokesperson for the resort. This was the eighth Pechanga/Lakers "Hoops For Troops" event, held in the days leading up to Veterans Day. The co-sponsorship began in 2015.

Lakers Legends Robert Horry, Michael Cooper and James Worthy spent three sessions running drills, playing scrimmages and even dancing a bit with 150 service men and women.

The program shows service members that there are organizations that appreciate them and the sacrifices they make to serve the country.

“The partnership with Pechanga is so special because they and the Lakers have made that commitment to the community,” said Michael Cooper, Lakers Legend. “We are so glad to have them with us and be all involved with us. The veterans, when we’re running away from danger, they’re running to danger to protect us so this event for them is so special.”

Families of the service members were able to watch from the arena seats as 50 military members at a time played on the court. Everyone who signed up for the one-hour clinic received free t-shirts and four tickets to that evening’s Lakers game, not to mention the memories of playing with Lakers greats.

Matt Makovec, Los Angeles Lakers' Director for Community Relations spoke on the event.

“Service Members do amazing work for our communities both abroad and at home every single day,” Makovec said. “The Lakers organization wants to show our support for their sacrifices. We take pride in being able to provide special experiences for Service Members and their families, to take a night off and enjoy their loved ones.”

Andrew Masiel Sr., President of the Pechanga Development Corporation shared his thoughts.

“Our servicemen and women make sacrifices every day that many of us take for granted,” Masiel said. “We are honored to again be a part of this gesture of appreciation and support for all of their service and sacrifices.”