There's a tipping point that happens with soccer in which you just kinda get it. I was drawn to it because the best soccer teams play similarly to my favorite basketball teams - like the eighties Lakers or eighties Celtics - teams that emphasized teamwork over individualism and relied on passing as their biggest ongoing edge.
I have nothing but respect for the Lakers. So many of their legends shaped who I am as a person and player.
When I was living in L.A., first of all, I had actually tried out or submitted to be on 'Tough Enough' when I was living in L.A. and then I ended up getting, like, a few call backs, but because I had just moved out there for the Lakers, I just felt like I couldn't have done both.
I love the feeling of being in front of a live crowd and performing and just kind of letting loose and getting the crowd involved, and I got to perform at the Superbowl and at the Staples Center, you know, at the Lakers game, which was amazing.
Anybody who doesn't think I want the Lakers to win is a fool. But I'm no homer.
I was huge on basketball and baseball. I love sports. I'm an L.A. guy. I love the Lakers and Dodgers.
The Lakers fanbase is enormous. Getting the fans on our side is a huge advantage for us.
There's a lot of spoiled Lakers fans.
There is a lot of extra energy with being in a Lakers uniform.
People want to be Lakers. There's just so much pressure, and some guys handle it and some guys can't.
