Lakers sign fan battling brain cancer to 1-day contract

Sometimes, there are things that are just bigger than basketball.

In the middle of another lost season and suffering a 10th straight defeat, tied for the worst in franchise history, the Los Angeles Lakers signed 18-year-old Yitzi Teichman to a one-day contract prior to their home game against the Charlotte Hornets.

10 months prior, Teichman underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor and was granted the incredible opportunity via the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Lakers are ceremoniously signing Yitzi Teichman to a 1-day contract against the Hornets - a  Make-A-Wish moment - will shoot around w/Lakers

— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) January 31, 2016



Teichman got to be with the team before, during and after the Lakers game against the Hornet and signed the contract with general manaer Mitch Kupchak.

He also got to hang out with Julius Randle and of course, Kobe Bryant.

For more of this amazing story and selfless act by a multi-billion dollar NBA franchise, watch the short clip

This story was originally published on the ABS-CBN Sports website.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lakers guard Steve Nash to sit out season

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash may have played his last game in the NBA after being ruled out of the upcoming season on Thursday because of a recurring back problem.

The Lakers said Nash, 40, who has been strongly tipped to retire after the 2014-15 campaign, had been sidelined after meeting with team doctors who advised him to sit out the season.

"As disappointed as we are for ourselves and our fans, we're even more disappointed for Steve," said Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak.

"We know how hard he's worked the last two years to try to get his body right for the rigours of the NBA, and how badly he wants to play, but unfortunately he simply hasn't been able to get there up to this point in time. Steve has been a consummate professional, and we greatly appreciate his efforts."

The Canadian has said previously he expects this to be the final season of his brilliant career but he has not formally announced his retirement. This would be his 19th NBA season.

"Being on the court this season has been my top priority and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now," said Nash.

"I've worked very hard to stay healthy and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult.

"I will continue to support my team during this period of rest, and will focus on my long-term health."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lakers sign Fil-Am rookie Clarkson

MANILA, Philippines – The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed Filipino-American rookie guard Jordan Clarkson, the 46th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, general manager Mitch Kupchak announced on Tuesday (Manila time).

Clarkson's rights were acquired by the Lakers from the Washington Wizards on draft night.

The details of the deal were not disclosed, but the Los Angeles Times reported that he will earn the rookie minimum of $507,336 this season.

The 6-5 guard out of Missouri led the Lakers in scoring during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with 15.8 points per game and in rebounding as well with 5.0 boards per game.

Clarkson welcomed the announcement on Twitter, saying: "Blessed to officially be a part of this organization."



He also announced that he will be wearing jersey No. 6 for the Lakers.

Clarkson's mother was born in Angeles City, Pampanga, though he was born in the United States and grew up in Texas

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com