Vacationing in Los Angeles this summer and wondering where you might find a good pickup game? Not just any pickup game but one with some of the best local talent dribbling, shooting and scoring, with perhaps a few NBA players thrown into the mix now and then?
The LA Times would like to point you in the right direction. Last Friday’s sports section covers the three best places in the city to shoot some hoop.
Venice Beach, made popular by the movie White Men Can’t Jump, is certainly the most famous of the locations. Located practically on the edge of the sand, games can heat up faster then the summer sun. I lived just around the corner from these courts for two years and spent hours watching the dunk-infused games. The trash talk and flagrant fouls are simply unbelievable, however, and I could never watch for too long without becoming too disgusted.
Two other courts in the city promise equal talent and frustration. Main Beach in Laguna Beach is a great place to get your game on, as evident by regular Sean Rooks who formerly played for both the Lakers and Clippers.
The premier Los Angeles pickup league, however, is located at Drew Middle School at the corner of Compton and Firestone Blvd–not the best of neighborhoods. These games are played inside a gymnasium (instead of at the beach like the other two locations) and attract a score of ex and current NBA players.
Wherever you end up playing, however, bring your game and perhaps a big stick. Things can get pretty rough out there.