The NBA D-League L.A. D-Fenders are "trying to market minor league basketball in L.A. by tying themselves" to the Lakers, their NBA affiliate, according to Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. TIMES. Anybody who "shells out $1,800 for a season ticket to all 24 D-Fenders home games will receive several Lakers incentives." They can "buy two tickets to a Lakers game every month and get first crack at Lakers individual playoff tickets before the public." They also get a "tour of the Lakers' training facility in El Segundo -- the site of all D-Fenders home games." In addition, they can "attend the Lakers' annual 'open practice' for Lakers season-ticket holders and get a Lakers beach chair as a gift." The "perks piled up by D-Fenders season-ticket holders will be rolled over to next season" if the NBA season is canceled due to the lockout. D-Fenders CEO Joey Buss: "We're trying to really marry the two teams in close regard. If you're a D-Fenders season-ticket holder, you'll be treated similar to a Lakers season-ticket holder. We're trying to make it one big happy family." Bresnahan notes the D-Fenders "shut down a year ago," and the Buss family "considered moving" the team to Ontario, Calif., this season. San Diego "was also considered before the Buss clan settled on El Segundo to cut costs" (L.A. TIMES, 10/25).
