NBA players excited to work alongside Barack Obama at charity event

While the NBA All-Star Game gives the league’s best players a chance to show off their above-the-rim skill sets, the annual showcase also provides them an opportunity to help the league’s charitable efforts.

Many of the players taking part in this week’s festivities spent part of Friday morning filling up backpacks for children at the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service. Since the game is being played in Chicago, it only makes sense former President Obama was on hand to help out. Obama is a huge basketball fan, and many of the players at the event were thrilled to meet him.

Zion Williamson and Trae Young, who were among the contingent of players taking part in the event ahead of Friday night’s NBA Rising Stars game, said they were surprised to see Obama. Both were excited about getting the chance to meet him and seemingly impressed with his knowledge of their respective careers.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel described the experience of meeting Obama as “surreal.”

Times columnist Arash Markazi is providing a behind-the-scenes look at the NBA All-Star Game this weekend. Be sure to follow @latimessports for Markazi’s latest updates.