It was a three-on-three workout in early June, just a few hours before Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Moe Wagner shared a court with players from Texas Arlington, Missouri State, Connecticut, Western Michigan and Rhode Island.
The Lakers’ coaching staff and front office watched. Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart happened to be in the gym that day, too.
Added general manager Rob Pelinka: “The whole workout changed because of his spirit and energy. Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart … were elbowing Earvin {Magic Johnson, president of basketball operations} and I thought that this guy would be fun to play with.