Obama Eager to Host Lakers at White House

How committed is President Obama to basketball? Despite crises at home and abroad, Obama--a lifelong basketball fan and a talented recreational player--managed to carve out TV time to watch the Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA title and is looking forward to hosting them at the White House in the coming weeks.

The morning after every game in L.A.'s championship series with the Orlando Magic, the president compared notes with staffers. After the Lakers won, he told aides he was looking forward to talking hoops with Laker Coach Phil Jackson, whom he has long admired. Aides say that he is eager to host the Lakers at the White House later this summer in the traditional congratulatory ceremony for the new champs.

But Obama wants more than just a meet-and-greet. He was impressed when the Pittsburgh Steelers, who won the last Super Bowl, combined their White House visit with a public-service event for military families. White House officials are pondering a similar approach with the Lakers, particularly one that appeals to young people.