South Bay Lakers Tip Off 2025-26 Season with Fan Fest at Local Elementary School 

Ahead of the NBA G League tip-off, South Bay Lakers players were reminded of their “why.” 

Just days before the beginning of the NBA G League season, the South Bay Lakers began their 2025-26 slate teaching sportsmanship and fundamental basketball skills to local elementary students. 

“It was super cool how excited the kids got to see us. It reminds you of why you play the game,” said center Drew Timme about Tuesday’s event. “When you bring joy to other kids and people, it’s what makes the game so special.” 

This week, the full South Bay Lakers team, coaching staff and Laker Girls traveled to Yukon Elementary School to host “Fan Fest,” a health and fitness clinic for 100 fourth and fifth grade students. Beginning with opening remarks from head coach Zach Guthrie, the South Bay Lakers squad emphasized sportsmanship throughout the event.  

Yukon Elementary School principal Sorah Han emphasized the excitement her students displayed and the importance of learning sportsmanship through Tuesday’s event. 

“Gosh, what a day,” Han said. “I don't think the kids expected, I don't think I even expected a day like this. For the kids to be able to experience not just sports, but to be able to see, play, have conversations and have a much more meaningful experience through sports and learn about sportsmanship is such a treat.” 
 
Across five stations, students learned fundamental basketball skills including dribbling, passing and shooting. Participants also joined the Laker Girls for stretching and warm-up exercises and participated in the Toyota Skills Challenge. At the end of the event, players, coaches and Laker Girls recognized select students for their excellence in sportsmanship and effort. 

Guard Jace Carter said he recalls looking up to older athletes as a kid and is grateful to have been able to start the season on this note. 
 
“I mean, I’m 22, I remember being the kid. We didn’t have something like that where I’m from. We didn’t have a basketball court at my elementary school,” Carter said. “So, to see those kids’ faces and to see how happy and genuine it was just for them to be around us, it’s hard not to get back to your apartment and be like, ‘Man, look at the life I’m living. Look at the situation I have. How can I not be so fulfilled in my gracefulness and be grateful for everything surrounding me?’ It’s a blessing.” 

Throughout the season, Yukon Elementary students will attend South Bay games, seeing the team on the main stage. As part of the yearlong adoption, the South Bay Lakers will also sponsor a beautification project on the campus. 
 
The South Bay Lakers will tip off the 2025-26 season with contests at UCLA Health Training Center Saturday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 9 against the Valley Suns. Tickets are available at: South Bay Lakers Tickets | 2025-2026 Minor League Tickets & Schedule | Ticketmaster.