President Obama was on hand to congratulate the Lakers on their championship win and community service efforts in partnership with NBA Cares.
On visiting with the youth today, guard Derek Fisher called it a "great experience".
"It always is. Anytime you can take some time away from the game - and in particular spend time with young people - to see the impact, to have the experience. Today, doing the letters and making the care packages for the homeless, and for the soldiers and our service people, and having President Obama present added an even special touch to it."
"Now, I have to say that there is a longstanding tradition of welcoming championship sports teams to the White House", said President Obama. "But here’s the thing, these guys have been there so often - they were just there last year because they won the title - and Kobe and Derek have been there so many times now, they could lead tours themselves. The same is true for Coach Jackson."
Jackson has eleven NBA championship rings, five with the Lakers.
The Lakers are preparing to meet the Wizards on Tuesday at Verizon Center.
On meeting the Wizards for the second time this month, Laker guard Derek Fisher, calling the Wizards a "young team", told us he's "expecting them to play much better at home". Fisher thinks the game will come down to how well the Lakers play at their level.
Bryant, Fisher, Artest, (and former Wizard and University of Maryland player, Steve Blake) think the Wizards team have talent. All are impressed with the skills of John Wall.
"He's quick, he's worked a lot on his jump shot", said Artest.
"It should be fun", added Bryant. "They're a young team that plays with a lot of energy and confidence. I'm looking forward to it."
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