NEW YORK — Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol will travel to India next week with the NBA championship trophy to conduct clinics, the first time a member of the reigning NBA champions has ever visited India.
The 30-year-old Spanish forward will visit Mumbai and Delhi for six days starting Monday to help boost the NBA and basketball in general in the world's second-most populated nation.
"I have always wanted to visit India and I am very excited to represent the Lakers and the NBA," Gasol said.
"As an international player in the NBA, I know how important it is to do my part to grow the game globally and would love to compete against a player from India in the NBA one day."
Another NBA star, Orlando Magic center Dwight visited Bangalore and Delhi last week.
Gasol will appear with the Larry O'Brien Trophy, also making its first trip to India, and conduct clinics in Mumbai next Thursday for players in an NBA-backed community league.
The Barcelona native will stage a clinic for underprivileged childre through NBA Cares, the league's social outreach program, on August 27 in Delhi.
"Giving youth in India the unique chance to step onto a court and learn from a reigning two-time NBA champion will inspire more athletes to play the game," NBA International President Heidi Ueberroth said.
"Pau is a great ambassador for the NBA."
