Pechanga Hosts Lakers Shoot-Around; Tribe Presents $10k Donation to After-School All-Stars with Kobe Bryant

PECHANGA INDIAN RESERVATION, Calif., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians today hosted a team shoot-around for the back-to-back NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers at the tribe's new recreation center.  

The Lakers stopped at Pechanga following their Thursday night game against the Golden State Warriors in San Diego.  They held their pre-game shoot-around at the tribe's recreation center before heading to Ontario for their final exhibition game.  Nearly 300 members of the Tribe were allowed to view a part of today's practice.

"This was a truly unique opportunity for a Native community to host the back-to-back NBA champion Lakers," said Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro.  "The team was very kind and gracious with our people and our guests. We hope to do more with them in the future."  

Pechanga tribal leaders also presented a $10,000 donation to After-School All-Stars (ASAS), which provides comprehensive after-school programs to nearly 80,000 children in need on over 450 school sites in 13 different cities, including Los Angeles. Celebrity Ambassador Kobe Bryant was on hand to accept the donation on behalf of After-School All-Stars.

"It wasn't that long ago that our Native children were beneficiaries of programs like After-School All Stars," said Macarro.  "We are deeply humbled to be in a position to support their important work of providing kids with after-school activities."  

About Pechanga

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Southwest Riverside County.  The Tribe owns and operates the award-winning Pechanga Resort & Casino.  

About After-School All-Stars

After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles (ASAS-LA) is a leading after-school program provider whose programs educate, enlighten and inspire thousands of K-12 students each day. Activities are centered around health, fitness and nutrition; the visual and performing arts; and youth leadership and community service learning.

ASAS-LA brings innovative, cutting-edge enrichment programs that contribute to reducing drug use, crime and violence; while increasing the safety of students in the after school hours. The organization serves 11,000 students at 25 schools located in at-risk areas throughout LA County, which include: 19 middle schools, five high schools, and one elementary school. Kobe Bryant is the organization's Celebrity Ambassador.

SOURCE Pechanga