TheSportsCampus

< Prev		Next >

Bollywood stars Lara Dutta & Dino Morea dropped into the Staple Center in Los Angles, California to catch a game between the Lakers & the Sacremento Kings earlier this week.

Morea, a huge basketball fanatic is rumoured to be on the endorsement wishlist for the NBA as it aims to significantly increase its already growing presence in India. Speaking after the game, Dino said, "I play a lot of basketball so this was an experience like no other- fast-paced, passionate and exhilarating. I think the passion and commitment of the NBA players will really appeal to the Indian audience and I am excited to see more NBA action back home." NBA legend Robert Parish visited Delhi earlier this month to promote the NBA's Hoop School program as a part of a strong marketing alliance between the NBA and ESPN-Star Sports.

Dino & Lara were treated to a hardcore all-access VIP visit as they went behind the scenes to witness the Lakers team practice. After the practice session NBA MVP and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant spent some time chatting with the Bollywood duo and handed out some autographs as well, surely a first for the glamourous pair so used to being at the other end of autograph hunters.

Oh, and yes there was a match still on. The Lakers duly obliged their visiting fans and a packed home crowd of 18,997 beating the Kings 118 - 108. Kobe Bryant top scored for the Lakers with 24 points. The margin of victory could and probably should have been higher if it had not been for a high number of careless turnovers by the Lakers (18) which the Kings dutifully converted to 30 points in transition. The win takes the Lakers to 11-1 this season.

Check out the photographs from their visit to LA in our gallery.