Player Appearance: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Laker legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made an appearance this past Thursday at the ESPN Zone at LA Live. He was there signing his new children's book "What Color Is My World?". Kareem was scheduled to sign from 7:00-8:30. He was only signing the book and no outside memorabilia.


I arrived at the Zone with my buddy Tom at around 5:00, and we were shocked to find out that there was only one person in line. Harry from Eye On LA Sports was the man at the front of the line. The three of us were the only people there for a while, then a few people started trickling in. 


By the time 7:00 rolled around, there were only about 30 people in line. I was surprised considering Kareem is one of the greatest basketball players ever, but I know that people won't show up if the athlete isn't signing anything but the book. I didn't care, I just wanted the sig, even if it was in a children's book. 


Kareem started signing around 7:15 and the Zone staff reminded us that there was no posed photography and no outside memorabilia to be signed. When I got to the table, I shook the Captain's gigantic hand and told him I was a huge fan. He signed my book and I moved on. It was an easy auto.

Thanks to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the ESPN Zone for a wonderful event.

Player Appearance: Jerry West

Laker legend Jerry West made an appearance this past Wednesday at the ESPN Zone in Downtown Los Angeles. He was there promoting his new book "West By West: My Charmed, Tormented Life". This appearance was supposed to be part of the NBA's opening day festivities, but sadly the lockout was still in effect.

Mr. West was scheduled to appear from 6-7 pm. He would sign one book and one outside item per person. My buddy Tom and I arrived an hour early. We were about 75 people from the front. After us, only a few more people showed up. I'd say there was about 100 people there.

When 6 o'clock rolled around, we were told Jerry West was running 15 minutes late. Once he did arrive, he went straight to the media and did interviews. He didn't start signing until 7:00. The line moved very slowly.When we got into the signing area, we noticed he was chatting with people and taking pictures.

At around 8:00 we finally got to the table. Mr. Clutch was very nice. I thanked him for everything he's done for Laker Nation. He signed my book and one basketball card.

Thanks to Jerry West and the ESPN Zone.