This past Wednesday Lakers fans in Moreno Valley, California we’re treated to a guest appearance by Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest at the 99.1 KGGI “SLAM and JAM” basketball game hosted by Valley View High School.
Before Artest arrived, 99.1 DJ ODM kept the crowd entertained by giving away some of our shirts, including the Here’s Ronnie tee, which seemed to be a crowd favorite.
Artest appeared as the VVHS “coach” – although he did take the court for a few minutes. The basketball game pitted the VVHS faculty against the 99.1 DJ’s and other special guests like Baby Bash. Artest’s few minutes of play was enough to thrill the crowd of screaming fans.
After Artest did his duty on the court he spent the majority of his time off the court appealing to his fans by posing for pictures and signing autographs. It was actually quite refreshing to see a super star of his caliber simply mingling with the crowd of mostly high school students without the formality of security or personal handlers getting in the way. Almost anyone who wanted to meet him got the chance and Ronnie was even kind enough to sign one of our shirts and snap a photo with us. Queensbridge!
The event was open to the public and serves as a fundraising effort for school activities. Additional photos from the event can be found on 99.1′s website.