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Former Laker Trevor Ariza To Host Charity Basketball Game In Los Angeles

By Pablo Jacobo

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Current Houston Rockets small forward and former Los Angeles Laker Trevor Ariza was back in his hometown hanging out with Petros and Money of AM 570 on Monday. I heard him promoting his first ever Trevor Ariza Elevated Game Awards, a Non-Profit event designed to reward High School students who have overcome tough obstacles in their lives. Through their involvement in sports they found an escape.

In addition, Ariza along with his partner Alex Parker and a special committee will select the winner. Before the award ceremony on June 21st, Ariza is treating the nominees and the public to a FREE celebrity basketball game at Cleveland High School in Reseda, CA on Saturday June 20.

These remarkable student-athletes that are up for the award, carry a personal battle filled with hardships that they had to overcome. A myriad of heartbreaking issues ranging from the loss of parents, incarcerated loved ones, addiction to drugs, depression, illnesses and many more difficult situations.

These courageous athletes found the strength to overcome their troubles and found the light at the end of the tunnel. They could have easily given up but their determination and strong-will helped them rise above life’s challenges. The Trevor Ariza foundation aims to highlight these individuals.

Through a rep from the Ariza Elevated Game twitter handle (@arizanation), the purpose of this event is to:

"“Celebrate and honor these at-risk high school student-athletes for their bravery, courage and tenacious attitude to never give up despite how bad life is outside the court or field”"

Ariza, an LA resident, with much pain and suffering in his own personal life, rose above the negativity to pursue to what has now been a successful 11-year NBA career. From being told he would never make it to tragically losing his younger brother, Ariza persevered through life’s obtacles and is a prime example for the message that his foundation is preaching.

Some of the confirmed celebrities participating in the basketball game include: former NFL star Terrell Owens, Actors Robert Christopher Riley (VH1’s Hit the Floor), Dexter Darden (Maze Runner), Dean Cain (Superman, VH1’s Hit the Floor), B.J. Britt (Agents of Shield), Former NBA players Daniel “Boobie” Gibson and Maurice Ager, Rapper Layzie Bone, Dallas Cowboys’ Jamal Anderson, Casper Smart (Choreographer/Actor), Laura Govan (Basketball Wives), Film Producers Leslie Small and Martin GuiGui and Actress Mechelle Epps.

The first of many star-studded events planned by the Ariza foundation, per the rep. The goal is to host a celebrity charity basketball around the nation every year. The overall message for this event is to spread hope to young kids that they should never give up and push through the darkness.

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A wonderful idea from one of the most charitable athletes in sports to give back to the community he grew up in. A beloved individual especially from Laker fans who still remember his playoff heroics in the 2009 playoffs. Without Trevor Ariza, there is no 15th banner hanging from the rafters inside Staples Center. I was in attendance at that championship rally inside the LA Coliseum listening to the packed crowd chanting Ariza’s name.

Despite leaving the Lakers, he’s still one of my favorite players in the NBA. I enjoy watching athletes giving back to their communities.

Anyone can attend the celebrity basketball game on June 20. Log on to the website arizaelevatedgameawards.org for more details. Follow @arizanation on Twitter for updates. Come out and support ex-UCLA alum Trevor Ariza and support this great cause. Photo ops will be available for those who attend.

Thank you to the Ariza Foundation for letting LA Sports Hub be a part of this event celebrating the accomplishments of these strong-minded student-athletes. See you there!

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