Los Angeles D-Fenders

From Hoopedia

Franchise History

On July 31, 2006 the Los Angeles Lakers and the Buss family have once again written history by becoming the first NBA franchise to purchase their very own NBA Development League franchise, the Los Angeles D-Fenders. The D-Fenders are the sole affiliate of the Lakers and are committed to providing their big brother franchise with the highest quality of emerging talent.

Led by three-time CBA Coach of the Year, Dan Panaggio, the D-Fenders will execute the triangle offense in order to develop future Lakers stars that will know the famous system implemented by Lakers coach Phil Jackson. Pannaggio and assistant coach Chucky Brown have an array of NBA experience that will provide the D-Fenders players with the understanding of what it takes to reach the ultimate level. “The D-League has been instrumental in helping improve the quality of play in the NBA, and we are thrilled to be the first NBA franchise to own a team in the Development League,” said Jeanie Buss, Executive Vice President of Business Operations for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers wanted to give their fans an opportunity to name the team with an online naming contest, and fans selected the name D-Fenders. For the D-Fenders inaugural season, they will play their home games at STAPLES Center either pre or post Lakers home games.

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