Mumbai: National Basketball Association (NBA), America’s premier professional men’s basketball league invited Lara Dutta and Dino Morea for a NBA match between Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings that took place at Staples Center on 23 November in Los Angeles, California.

Dutta and Morea traveled to Los Angeles, California to visit the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Los Angeles Lakers as part of an all-access VIP weekend. Dutta and Morea went to a Lakers practice where they met their favorite player, 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player Kobe Bryant. The storied history of the franchise was highlighted in a tour of the Staples Center, the Lakers home since 1999, which features the retired jerseys of some of the Laker’s greats like Wilt Chamberlain and Earvin Magic Johnson.  To top-off the experience, Dutta and Morea sat courtside as Bryant and his Laker teammates took on the Sacramento Kings.

Morea and Dutta also had a practice session with Kobe Bryant. David Beckham was also present at the match.

"I play a lot of basketball so this was an experience like no other- fast-paced, passionate and exhilarating. I think the passion and commitment of the NBA players will really appeal to the Indian audience and I am excited to see more NBA action back home," said Morea.

"NBA basketball is world-class entertainment that offers something for everyone.  The game, the dancers, the fans all combine to create an electric atmosphere.  This was a great experience and I hope to attend more games in the near future." said Dutta.