Lakers' Metta World Peace Shoots Hoops With Local Homeless Kids
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — It was a special visit for some special kids.
Lakers forward Metta World Peace stopped by a Southland backyard court for a little pickup game, and while some shots went in and others missed, the cheers kept on coming.
That's because while the court looks similar to others you might find on any neighborhood street, this one happens to sit in the yard of a house owned by Door of Hope, a safe place for families of domestic violence.
Each and every kid taking part in the pickup game comes from other "Door of Hope" homes - they are all homeless.
"It's a shelter that helps people and makes them have a home," said eight-year-old Michael Gonzales.
Gonzales couldn't keep from smiling after meeting with Metta.
"It's cool because we metted him and he metted us, and we played something together," he said.
No stranger to a tough childhood, Metta says he wanted to help bring a positive memory to these kids who have already seen too much.
"As a kid, you don't understand what's happening, but you really enjoy moments," World Peace said.
And while Metta was clearly the star of the show, the real hero stood in the back, just watching.
16-year-old Claire Dundee raised all the money - about $4,000 - for the court as a Girl Scout project. The entire process took about six months.
"It's the best part, seeing everybody be happy and joyful for something I got to bring to them," said Dundee.
For World Peace, there's no question who the real MVP is.
"She deserves an award, actually," he said. "Sixteen years old, helping out kids her own age, basically."