South Bay Lakers Adopt Edison Elementary, Beginning Yearlong Relationship

The South Bay Lakers began their yearlong relationship with Torrance’s Edison Elementary, as players and staff took over the school for a morning.

Players shot hoops with kids, served as crossing guards, handed out snacks and more. And the day was highlighted by a school assembly to officially tip off South Bay’s adoption.

“For some of us it’s a little early in the morning, but for them it’s another day,” South Bay forward Robert Heyer said. “They’re in school, they’re excited to see us. That brings energy to us — it goes both ways. I think this is really good for the community, both here in Torrance and all across the South Bay.”

South Bay will maintain a frequent presence around Edison Elementary throughout the year, for both basketball and education.

The South Bay Lakers will provide tickets to their home games and also hold basketball clinics for students. Meanwhile, they will also participate in reading programs and organize a service day to beautify the school.

“That’s the cool part about this,” Heyer said. “This is not gonna be a one-time thing. We’re gonna see them now, see them again and build a little relationship with them, and really just build a community. It’s really about supporting each other. We’ll support them, and they’ll support us.”