Lakers and AEG Plan 3 on 3 Tournament for L.A. Live

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The eyes of the basketball world were focused on L.A. Live last month as the Lakers completed their NBA championship run. In August, the hoops action moves to the streets as the Lakers team up with AEG Sports for the Lakers 3 on 3 tournament.

Organizers hope to see 600 teams competing on 70 courts that will be set up on Nokia Plaza, Chick Hearn Court and the L.A. Live Event Deck.

On August 15 and 16, teams will compete in four divisions: Standard, Adult Elite, Special Olympics and Wheelchair. The Standard division will be further broken down into Adult, High School and Youth sections. In an interesting wrinkle, groups of eight or 16 teams can sign up to start out in their own private bracket. Registrations are open until July 31.

The event is modeled on the Spokane Hoopfest, which attracts 6,400 teams and uses 400 courts. The 2009 event took place on June 27 and 28.

Spokesman Noah Gold says that signups for the L.A. event are on track to reach approximately 600 teams, a number similar to what the Spokane event saw in its first year. Organizers in L.A. have been working with Hoopfest during the event's planning and AEG hopes to see a successful inaugural event lead to growth in future years.

Along with the tournament will come a three-day Fan Fest featuring a Nike Slam Dunk Contest, appearances by members of the Lakers and special guests, live music, food and beverage areas, and basketball-themed activities and competitions.