The meeting was arranged by Jason Ewai, a common friend of the Lakers team owner and the Sta. Lucia top officials. Ewai manages Buss’ stable of horses in Hawaai.
"We know that the whole budget of the PBA for the season isn’t enough if the LA Lakers ask for a pay to come over here. But Mr. Ewai thought we could convince Mr. Buss to let the Lakers visit the Philippines for free because of the huge basketball market in the country," said Encarnado.
"It could be the biggest game in this country if the Lakers decide to come over," added Encarnado.
The Sta. Lucia team manager said they have not informed the PBA board of the project since they have yet to talk to the Lakers management.
Two members of the Lakers team — Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant — have visited the country to promote a shoe product. O’Neal even brought a team to play a PBA selection and then performed in a rap concert.
The last NBA team to visit the Philippines was the Washington Bullets in the late 70s. Led by Elvin Hayes, the Bullets played a PBA selection backed by a number of imports.
Meanwhile, San Miguel routed Sta. Lucia Realty, 84-64, Sunday night as the Beermen continued to make good impression on their tune-up games for the coming PBA All-Filipino Conference at the Sumilang gym in Pasig.
Nic Belasco scored 21 points, Joey Mente had 17 and Bryan Gahol tossed in 15 for San Miguel, which fashioned out the most lopsided victory thus far in the series of pre-season games set by the PBA Commissioner’s Office despite the absence of Danny Ildefonso and Danny Seigle.