Few pro-am basketball organizations carry the level of star power as the Drew League. The Los Angeles-based summer hoops league features high-level competition from a collection of professional and amateur players. The circuit has seen plenty of big-name NBA ballers since its establishment in 1973.
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant, Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George and Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden are among the players that thrilled spectators in the past with outstanding performances. The prominent talent has also brought out notable celebrities to watch courtside.
More NBA athletes have laced up their kicks for the Drew League this year, and the action hasn’t disappointed. From long-awaited returns to young stars putting on a show, the hardwood action in L.A. has been electrifying.
Here’s a look at some of the NBA stars who played in the Drew League this summer:
Trae Young and John Collins — July 23
Young has been itching to play in the Drew League once he learned Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan participated the week before. He finally got his chance, sharing the court with Atlanta Hawks teammate John Collins on the Black Pearl Elite squad.
Look who pulled up to @DrewLeague ?
?: @NBA pic.twitter.com/RqPXUyvzaf
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 23, 2022
A highlight from the duo’s outing on Saturday was a flashy alley-oop dunk from Young to Collins. The Hawks point guard continued to entertain the crowd by showing off his dribble package and accuracy from 3-point range.
Trae Young and John Collins showing out in the Drew League ♨️
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/6W1eQY5dvu
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 23, 2022
Trae Young’s hesi ?
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/0b5VuNyUEA
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 24, 2022
Something light ?? @TheTraeYoung
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 23, 2022
The highlight-worthy plays weren’t enough, however, as Black Pearl lost to the Citi Team Blazers 103-100. .
Summer hoops ? pic.twitter.com/AOzM3zOTQi
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 24, 2022
LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan — July 16
After a decade-long hiatus, James made his Drew League return, teaming up with DeRozan on the MMV Cheaters. With stars like Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green and hip-hop artist Quavo in attendance, James and DeRozan took over.
James dazzled with 42 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 steals, while DeRozan balled out with 30 points and 14 rebounds en route to a 104-102 win over Black Pearl. Both NBA hoopers also brought the competitive edge, as James disputed a call with referees and DeRozan exchanged words with an opponent.
During the game, DeRozan showed his chemistry with James on a sweet dime that led to a dunk.
DeMar to LeBron for the THROWDOWN ‼
Watch Now on the NBA App: https://t.co/1wUvrXPTKg pic.twitter.com/GfbjaRFOnJ
— NBA (@NBA) July 16, 2022
James, who is entering his 20th NBA season at 37 years old, showed he still has hops on a posterizing slam. He also wore his unreleased Nike LeBron 20 sneaker in a pink colorway.
Both players posted images to their social media accounts after a successful on-court collaboration.
My dog Debo!!! @DeMar_DeRozan ✊? pic.twitter.com/Gc4P34GmUn
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 17, 2022
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