Barack Obama talks legendary pickup games with Los Angeles Lakers icons

Basketball has a way of connecting people that few sports can replicate. It is one of the most internationally important sports in the world. The modern NBA features stars from countries such as Cameroon, Canada, France, Greece, Serbia and Slovenia.

One of the people who embodied, promoted and embraced the expansive nature of basketball is former US President Barack Obama.

Obama captivated the masses throughout his political career, thanks in no small part to his ability to appeal to the everyday emotions of the American public. One of the most well-known aspects of his charm outside of the office was his interest in sports – particularly basketball.

During a recent appearance on “The Young Man and The Three” with Tyrese Haliburton, Obama discussed the most documented venture of his basketball experience: White House pick-up games with legendary NBA players.

“49. Birthday. We decide to have our own little all-star game. So we created it as a benefit, so to speak, because we had a lot of Wounded Warriors in the stands so they could watch. And we created it.” We had three professionals and two amateurs on each team. But everyone came, I think he came from his CP3 year, Joakim Noah and Carmelo from guys.

Obama continued:

“And Kobe came, but Kobe had just come back from Germany. He had blood tests so he couldn't play, but he sat in the stands. Bill Russell showed up. Magic came. And I'm pretty sure this was the last time.” Magic ever played full-court basketball because we didn't think he would put on a jersey, but they go in the stands because I think he would hasn't played in ten years. But we had a great time.

Obama further joked that the players didn't give it their all, but still played harder than fans are used to at the All-Star Game.

It remains one of the most legendary comeback games in basketball history, even if the competition was more cheerful than profit-oriented. However, in 2010 there was a who's who of talent, including some of the biggest names in Lakers history.

Between Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, LeBron James and Magic Johnson, there were 13 championships and eight MVPs, split only between the Lakers legends in attendance.

There's no footage yet to be captured of a game that featured generations of legends either on the field or in the stands. That includes the Lakers' longtime rival, Bill Russell, who remains the winningest player in NBA history with 11 titles.

The legend of the White House pickup game will live on forever in the basketball world, even though we may never know how it actually ended.

The rest of the interview is equally compelling, as Obama goes into detail about the NBA and the sport of basketball in general. They discussed how universal the game has become and what challenges Team USA and American players as a whole will face in the future.

Obama also discussed his preferred style of basketball, citing the current Indiana Pacers, the dynasty Golden State Warriors and the Tim Duncan-led San Antonio Spurs.

If the Lakers' 2024-25 season opener is a sign of things to come, then they could soon be on this list. JJ Redick keeps the ball moving freely between his players, orchestrating a movement offense that has blown away even Los Angeles' staunchest critics.

In the meantime, Lakers fans can imagine the extraordinary sight of some of the greatest players in NBA history joining Obama on the court at the White House.