This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Biggest Name in LA Basketball You Don't Know
In early December, the Indiana Pacers were in town to face the Los Angeles Lakers. As NBA teams do, they stayed in a posh hotel -- this one in the Bel Air area. But as we Angelenos could have told them, that’s a lot of time in the car (or bus, in this case) if you want to drive out to Staples Center for a morning shoot-around, go back to the hotel for the afternoon, then back to Staples for the game that night.
So instead, the Pacers team had their morning shoot around at a house.
Well, not just any house. This home belongs to LA Gear CEO Steven Jackson. His not-so-humble little abode comes with a full-size replica of the Staples Center court, complete with replica Laker championship banners hanging in it. With a piece of the old Fabulous Forum Laker floor signed by Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It was so realistic that the Pacer players raved about it giving them a good feel for shooting in the real arena.
The Pacers knew about it because their star -- Jermaine O’Neal -- worked out there during the summer with teammate Al Harrington. Also taking place there have been some key pre-draft workouts for scouts, including rookie-of-the-year candidate Brandon Roy (the Washington star now playing professionally in Portland). There are other pick-up hoops games there with NBA players, the occasional NBA insider, and even a lucky blogger now and again.
Don’t feel like shooting hoop? The house also has a bowling alley, movie theater, tennis court, and game room.
Apparently, LA Gear sold a lot of those blinking-light shoes to kids back in the 1990s.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
