You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. John Wooden Are you aware that the National Basketball Association has joined the many traditions of Christmas Day? The first NBA game on Christmas was in 1947 with the New York Knicks playing the Providence Steam Rollers at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won, 89-75, and they have played on Christmas Day 44 times, more than any other NBA team, and 37 have been at home. This year, the big Christmas Day game is between the world champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, but four other matchups are offered for most of the rest of the day. Happily, the Christmas spirit is alive and well in the community activities of the pro basketball teams, especially during the holiday season. The Lakers launch their "Season of Giving" Campaign in November each year with a Thanksgiving meal served to a non-profit organization. This year it was presented to the Boys and Girls Club of Venice. [caption id="attachment_6273" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Season of Giving"][/caption] A book drive in connection with Chick Hearn Night is held near the famed late Lakers' announcer's birthday, November 27th. New books are collected outside the Staples Center and are donated to "Everybody Wins---Los Angeles," an organization that helps children succeed through one on one reading experiences with caring adults or older students. In addition to the books, the Lakers also present the Chick Hearn Memorial Scholarships to two worthy students. During December, the Lakers hold a big toy drive in partnership with Toys for Tots. All team members are involved, but I want to highlight the efforts of basketball's only Jewish player, Jordan Farmar, who grew up celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah. Jordan promised his mother that when he entered the world of professional basketball, he would also start his own foundation. [caption id="attachment_6275" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Jordan Farmar with a fan"][/caption] Farmar is very active in the Jordan Farmar Foundation and still participates in team events. He helps with the Seeds of Peace International Camp in Maine, where he teaches young people from Israel, Palestine, Jordan and America. He feels basketball is the language that opens discussions and builds friendships. Farmar is a unique communicator. After Seeds of Peace, Farmar travels to Israel where he continues to teach basketball and friendship. "Basketball teaches human value: teamwork, working well with others, taking instruction and criticism from authority figures and bouncing back from adversity," Farmar shared. He himself is working through adversity caused by his injuries. However, he won't let those keep him from his work of helping others. [caption id="attachment_6274" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant"][/caption] This month the Lakers also celebrated Christmas with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carson and Santa Monica and the Mar Vista Family center. The party was held at the team's training facility, and all the Lakers took part. Games were played, autographs were given, and pictures taken with the over 100 underprivileged children. A jolly good time was held by all. The Lakers were joined by the Laker Girls when they took some special Christmas cheer to the UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital on December 11th. They handed out gifts and had personal time with these young patients. Shannon Brown, the Lakers' backup guard, remembered, "We're just happy to be here and have a chance to brighten the days of some courageous kids." Dr. David T. Feinberg, associate vice chancellor and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, explained the importance of the Lakers' hospital visit. These children are going through a terrible part of their lives and making them happy from a psycho-social standpoint is crucial to their care. The Lakers also have a "Win With the Lakers" night to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. This year's event was held December 7th during a game between the Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks. For every 3-pointer, the Lakers Youth Foundation donated $ 500 to support the wishes of Los Angeles children with life-threatening medical conditions. Kobe Bryant has fulfilled more than 100 requests from the Make A Wish Foundation. Few other athletes have donated that much time. After reading about the Lakers' "Season of Giving" events, the game on Christmas Day should be even more enjoyable. After all, the Lakers are true champions-----on the basketball court and in the community. Merry Christmas!