Laker Girls star in NBA Madness today at SM

MANILA — The world-famous "Laker Girls" dance squad of the Los Angeles Lakers will star in exclusive performances at NBA Madness 2004 scheduled for Sept. 2-5 at the SM Megamall Parking Lot C in Pasig City.

NBA Madness 2004 is a basketball theme park set up in 8,000 - 10,000 square feet filled with basketball courts, interactive skills challenges, fun games, musical performances and exhibits that have transformed the SM parking lot into a bustling basketball village. Budding cagers and basketball aficionados of all ages can test their skills and hone their latent talents at the "basketball festival". Celebrities and hot band performances will provide excitement and entertainment during the four-day basketball madness.

The Laker Girls perform twice daily at the NBA Madness at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Manila fans will now get a feel of the high-energy moves and pizzazz that the Laker Girls put on for the crowds at NBA games.

The unique and innovative dance routines performed by the Laker Girls have earned them worldwide fame and pushed on the L.A. Lakers team to countless NBA victories. They have been providing spirit, sparkle and entertainment to Lakers fans for over 20 years now. The squad is selected by holding an "open audition" every summer at various training centers. The tryouts are very competitive, with hundreds of ladies at least 18 years old, vying for a slot on the squad. Every year, members must re-audition for their position.

NBA Madness 2004 is proudly sponsored by Coca-Cola, Globe Telecom and Growee; and supported by Solar Sports, SM Supermalls, MYX, Spalding and Tower Sports.

Since its founding in 1946, the NBA has truly become a global phenomenon that transcends national boundaries. With 30 teams in the United States and Canada, NBA games and related programming are broadcast to 212 countries in 42 languages. They are one of the largest suppliers of sports television and Internet programming in the world. The NBA is a recognized leader in global sports marketing with 13 offices around the world. For more information on the NBA, visit www.NBA.com.

For more information on the Los Angeles Lakers dance team, please visit : http://www.nba.com/lakers/dance/200203_lakergirls.html.