The Laker Girls at Fiesta Lakers

Last week I was in Arizona covering the Cardinals cheerleader auditions.  This week, I’m back in L.A. covering the Laker Girls.  For the past eight years, 1330 AM ESPN Desportes, a local Spanish language radio station, has sponsored Fiesta Lakers, a celebration of Latino heritage and, coincidentally, the Lakers.  Thousands of fans packed the Los Angeles Convention Center to watch ballet folklorico, local bands, hip hop dance groups, and to show their support for Los Lakers de Los Angeles.

The Lakers Girls were featured performers at Fiesta Lakers and I could not pass up the opportunity to photograph the NBA’s most renowned and recognized dance team.  For the Lakers are synonymous with basketball in Los Angeles and the Laker Girls are rock stars.  As long as I have been a Lakers fan, the Laker Girls have been the gold standard to which all other NBA dance teams must be judged.  And this latest group is no different.

Like the thousands of other fans, I waited in line for what seemed like hours to get a glimpse of the famed dance team.  The Laker Girls didn’t disappoint, performing three times over the course of the five hour event.

Every one of the Laker Girls is a beautiful and talented dancer as you can tell from these photos.

Now I must say two Laker Girl girls caught my eye.  Fresh faced Annika, a graduate of UCLA, is a wonderful dancer and not too bad on the eyes.

First year Laker Girl Jessica, a strikingly beautiful blonde, is remarkably photogenic.  With eyes that sparkle and a beautiful smile, Jessica is the epitome of a Laker Girl.

Of course, the highlight for many was a chance to see the Lakers up close and personal…if for only a few minutes.  Luke Walton, Trevor Ariza, Pau Gasol and heartthrob Sasha Vujacic spoke appreciatively to the fans for all their support.

Don’t you just hate European players?

But, the crowd really came to see only one person.  Kobe Bryant, the once and future King.  And the King arrived to chants of M-V-P, M-V-P, M-V-P.  Well, I think one player in Cleveland might take umbrage.  But I don’t think Kobe is too concerned.  Gearing up for the playoffs, Kobe gave a rousing speech to the thousands that had assembled near the stage.

And with that, Kobe and the rest of the Lakers departed to prepare for the evening’s contest against the Memphis Grizzlies.  I, too, soon departed.  For my job was done.