Originally published by LakersNation.com
One thing Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has always done since he joined the organization was arrange for different celebrities to come in, spend some time with and talk to the team. It is known as the “Genius Talks” series and has featured such iconic figures as Denzel Washington, Kendrick Lamar and Will Smith.
The goal of this is to provide motivation to the team and help to build the desired culture within the Lakers locker room and organization as a whole by connecting them with celebrities throughout sports and entertainment who have unique experiences themselves.
Saturday provided the latest edition of the series as the Lakers traveled Riviera Country Club, home to The Genesis Invitational, where the team spoke with whom most consider the greatest golfer of all-time in Tiger Woods, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
The Lakers continued their “Genius Talks” series with a field trip to Riviera Country Club on Saturday for the Genesis Invitational, with Rob Pelinka arranging a visit and address from Tiger Woods for the team (
: @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/jA8EgPcXRF — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 22, 2026
Considering some of the absolute golf fanatics on this Lakers roster, namely Austin Reaves and LeBron James, this had to be one of the most anticipated talks of the entire series. To be able to take a trip to Riviera had to be an amazing experience for everyone and as is seen in the photo, basically the entire roster is there taking it all in.
Woods also has such a unique story as he is one of the few athletes that was on the level of a James, Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan in terms of popularity and visibility around the world and pure dominance in his sport. He has also dealt with all of the pitfalls that come with being a celebrity of that stature so he undoubtedly has plenty to share in so many aspects of sport and life.
James revealed what he asked the legend when they spoke, via Dan Woike of The Athletic:
“I asked him what the difference in the challenges of climbing the ranks was,” he told The Athletic. “What was the hardest challenge? Was it more of a challenge or harder to climb from zero to No. 1 — or stay at No. 1 knowing everybody was chasing you?”
“Staying there. Staying at one. Staying the best player in the world,” James said. “When you got everybody chasing you and trying to knock you off the mountaintop, that’s more challenging. I mean, it’s hard getting up, you know, from zero to one. But my mindset when I left high school, I told myself that I gotta start back at zero, though.
“I knew I was the No. 1 player in the country as a high school senior and probably high school junior. But when I got to the NBA, I said, ‘I’m starting from zero, and now, I gotta get back to one again.’”
The “Genius Talks” series has been something that Pelinka has continued throughout his tenure and is great in allowing the Lakers to come together on things outside of basketball and help that chemistry and closeness grow.
Pat Riley: Lakers picked right head coach in JJ Redick
The Lakers believe they have the right head coach in place to lead this team to great success for years to come in JJ Redick. And legendary coach and executive Pat Riley feels the same way.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
One thing Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has always done since he joined the organization was arrange for different celebrities to come in, spend some time with and talk to the team. It is known as the “Genius Talks” series and has featured such iconic figures as Denzel Washington, Kendrick Lamar and Will Smith.
The goal of this is to provide motivation to the team and help to build the desired culture within the Lakers locker room and organization as a whole by connecting them with celebrities throughout sports and entertainment who have unique experiences themselves.
Saturday provided the latest edition of the series as the Lakers traveled Riviera Country Club, home to The Genesis Invitational, where the team spoke with whom most consider the greatest golfer of all-time in Tiger Woods, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
The Lakers continued their “Genius Talks” series with a field trip to Riviera Country Club on Saturday for the Genesis Invitational, with Rob Pelinka arranging a visit and address from Tiger Woods for the team (
: @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/jA8EgPcXRF — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 22, 2026
Considering some of the absolute golf fanatics on this Lakers roster, namely Austin Reaves and LeBron James, this had to be one of the most anticipated talks of the entire series. To be able to take a trip to Riviera had to be an amazing experience for everyone and as is seen in the photo, basically the entire roster is there taking it all in.
Woods also has such a unique story as he is one of the few athletes that was on the level of a James, Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan in terms of popularity and visibility around the world and pure dominance in his sport. He has also dealt with all of the pitfalls that come with being a celebrity of that stature so he undoubtedly has plenty to share in so many aspects of sport and life.
James revealed what he asked the legend when they spoke, via Dan Woike of The Athletic:
“I asked him what the difference in the challenges of climbing the ranks was,” he told The Athletic. “What was the hardest challenge? Was it more of a challenge or harder to climb from zero to No. 1 — or stay at No. 1 knowing everybody was chasing you?”
“Staying there. Staying at one. Staying the best player in the world,” James said. “When you got everybody chasing you and trying to knock you off the mountaintop, that’s more challenging. I mean, it’s hard getting up, you know, from zero to one. But my mindset when I left high school, I told myself that I gotta start back at zero, though.
“I knew I was the No. 1 player in the country as a high school senior and probably high school junior. But when I got to the NBA, I said, ‘I’m starting from zero, and now, I gotta get back to one again.’”
The “Genius Talks” series has been something that Pelinka has continued throughout his tenure and is great in allowing the Lakers to come together on things outside of basketball and help that chemistry and closeness grow.
Pat Riley: Lakers picked right head coach in JJ Redick
The Lakers believe they have the right head coach in place to lead this team to great success for years to come in JJ Redick. And legendary coach and executive Pat Riley feels the same way.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.