So you think you can dance?
by Adam Rose
What's better than 20 Laker Girls?
500 prospective Laker Girls.
While the Kamenetzky brothers were busy this weekend (probably out saving the world with Jordan Farmar), one of their fellow L.A. Times bloggers discovered another good reason not to sleep in on Saturday morning -- the 2008-09 Laker Girl auditions. It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it.
You might be surprised that many of these girls have been training as dancers since before the players could pick up a basketball. It takes an incredible amount of talent, looks and personality to wear those purple and gold skirts. In fact, a couple years ago, the Laker Girls were more fun to watch than the team.
After the jump, enjoy some of my favorite photos (I only took 350). Of course, you can click any image to see a larger version.
Later on, I'll have a video report on all the drama, the hopes, the fears, the wardrobe malfunctions ... and an impromptu spelling bee. But after the jump enjoy some more coverage.
e 
The selection process takes several rounds. Laker Girls from the previous season do not qualify for any sort of "legacy" status. They get to skip the first round but must compete the rest of the way to keep their jobs.
A number of girls were reportedly disqualified for not bringing a headshot.
Several members of school dance teams were at the tryouts, including UC Irvine, UNLV, CSU Long Beach and UCSB ... but rumor was that the largest single contingent came from Disneyland.
The ladies in the yellow T-shirts were former Laker Girls who came back to help with the selection process.
The line at 9 a.m. wrapped around two sides of the Lakers training facility.
Other than someone wearing a #24 jersey, none of the girls auditioning wore costumes. A pair of Spanish-language TV reporters wore #0.5 jerseys, explaining that together, "we're No. 1!"
-- photos and post by Adam Rose (UCLA and USC blogger) / LA Times
Dang, there are things better to look at than Kwame's calves.
Posted by: p ang | July 20, 2008 at 02:07 AM
Happy Laker Girls Try-out Day!
GO LAKER GIRLS!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | July 20, 2008 at 03:12 AM
The numbers reminded me of an aquarium I went to.
Hmmm... #167.
Too many!
Posted by: | July 20, 2008 at 03:14 AM
Now that is some journalism that I can really get behind.
Thank you
Posted by: Vince Meghrouni | July 20, 2008 at 03:47 AM
Oh. My. God...
Where's Paula!?
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | July 20, 2008 at 05:31 AM
Okay, a moment of non-hate for you Fakers.
The Faker Girls are hot, hot hot!
Almost as hot as most of the air that comes out of certain bloggers whom I won't reference by name.
"I can get off at anytime" --Starlet Bryant
"Jerry Buss is an idiot" --Starlet Bryant last year on TMZ.
"hahaahhhahaahah" --C's Fan.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 20, 2008 at 07:34 AM
can the times please buy you a real camera...? your iphone doesn't cut the mustard when this kind of a spectacle presents itself..
Posted by: alex jones | July 20, 2008 at 07:56 AM
GREATEST. POST. EVER.
Posted by: I LOVE IT | July 20, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Not enough photos.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 20, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Wow!..ok..wait..ima say it again cuz maybe I was hollering! WOW!!
Posted by: lakeraholic | July 20, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I've got a headshot for those who need one.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go save the world with Jordan Farmar.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | July 20, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Hmmmmmmmmm my boy Ronny Turiaf was let go ???
Wow....I forgot all about that with this piece ! Ha Ha
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | July 20, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I went to the Celtic Cheerleader auditions once. About 7 "girls" showed up, and they all had mustaches and smelled like the underground T stations.
For an audition they had to make a Grinder, drive a car through a Roundabout and then get a drink from a Bubbler.
None were able to complete the audition.
They were however all hired to work on the Big Dig construction project, where they instantly blended in with all the other gluttonous slobs who live in that wretched city.
Posted by: Very Nearly the Absolute Truth | July 20, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Adam Rose,
You've just made the greatest post in Lakers blog history.
Posted by: Xodus | July 20, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Teams rony will be playing for golden state warriors next season. i think the price was too high for him to lakers match. oklahoma city thunder is official name. will take some time to get adjusted. maybe prattville can get a team some day, prattville tornado.
i will still be a laker if we do get prattville tornado. any news on sascha. i can't believe no teams have made offers. ok
ding how in prattville
Posted by: ding how in prattville | July 20, 2008 at 11:25 AM
just think, these are the girls that couldn't get on The Bachelor or Big Brother or American Idol, etc. etc.
What does that mean? I have no idea... but Laker girl tryouts are HOT! so very hot... you're talking about millions of years of internal programming here...
Posted by: Kwaminus The best moves on the court don't always belong to the players Brownicas | July 20, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Adam,
I appreciate the subject matter, but some of those shots look like they were taken with a cell phone cam -- that's kind of "creepy." hahaha
Let me put a death nail in the Kwame lovers' coffin. FSN replayed Kobe's 81 point game last night and guess what? Kwame is much worse than any of us collecively remember.
Let Go Cs,
Stick with the fat Boaaataaan girls -- you have no shot- loser -- and speaking of losers how's the LA Angels taste- hahahahaha.
Posted by: HmrHed | July 20, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Ak,
This is lame but I do see why you would put it up.
Posted by: wow | July 20, 2008 at 12:17 PM
L.O.L. Boys will be boys.
Posted by: Faith | July 20, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I'm suddenly very happy.
Posted by: dave m | July 20, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Pardon me. I have to go change my underwear.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 20, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Tsk Tsk.
Shawne Williams has had another brush with the Law. And
Bird has already said he's on "thin ice". And they've been trying
so hard to dispel the jailbird image.
I think maybe the Lakers should offer them a trade to help them
unload that thug Shawne Williams.
Lakers trade Radmanovic and Mihm
for
Williams and Jeff Foster.
Foster is a no offense but tough defending center, he could
back up both PF & C, probably better than Ronny did. And his
contract expires after this season.
Williams sucks, but it doesn't matter because he's an expiring
contract.
Foster would be an improvement over Mihm.
Not having Rad would be an improvement over having Rad.
The same deal also works if Luke goes out instead of Rad,
but it doesn't save the Lakers as much luxury tax next season.
thoughts?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 20, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Get the women between those guys before things get out of hand. LOL!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 20, 2008 at 01:10 PM
If you haven't done so already, click on the link about Jordan Farmar at the top of this thread. Here it is again, so you don't have to scroll up, looking for it:
saving the world with Jordan Farmar)
We should all appreciate Jordan extending the leadership that he's shown the Bench Mob to the community at large. The Jordan Farmar Foundation, the Children's Hospital reunion, and the trip to the Middle East show the kind of character the NBA could use more of. And let's remember, Jordan is only 21 years old.
Everyone's who's posted with the suggestion of trading Farmar might rethink any such idea. This is a guy who can become a Laker mainstay for years to come, and should be. I personally believe that Jordan is ready to move up into the starting rotation. Fish the elder statesman coming off the bench with Lamar could create a greater all around depth to the Laker rotation. With the return of Bynum to the starting lineup, and the insertion of Farmar, the Lakers could come out of the gate with the kind of energy needed to compete in an even tougher Western Conference in the season ahead.
Let's forget about all the retreads. We have a young generation of Lakers ready to bring the next dynasty to Staples Center for the next decade and beyond.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 20, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Now this is the kind of dancing show I would watch. I need to watch more Spanish TV with those kind of reporters.
Have a good weekend all!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | July 20, 2008 at 01:45 PM
AK/BK
Thank you for not blocking this important post we needed this!
Posted by: chuck23 | July 20, 2008 at 02:02 PM
When does Kobe get to pick the one he cheats with? Is that later in the process?
Posted by: Melanie S | July 20, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Anybody have any tips on how to train those dancers?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 20, 2008 at 02:13 PM
YES!
I heard the players are not allowed to date Laker Girls. Its in their contract or something.
Posted by: ajax | July 20, 2008 at 02:22 PM
This is the best blog post ever!
Posted by: Dennis | July 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Re: farthest right photo below the header...
Super classy shot there Mr. Rose. You couldn't have gotten that from the other angle though?
I'll bet that young lady's parents never pictured her doing that when they paid for all those ballet classes when she was a little girl.
Posted by: Chick Penberthy | July 20, 2008 at 02:39 PM
AK/BK,
It seems you have discovered the secret to changing the emotional tone of Laker Nation's dialogue.
When things start to go ugly, simply put up large number of pictures of the Laker Girls.
Suddenly, everyone is happy.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 20, 2008 at 02:49 PM
It's sad when the Lakers had an amazing girl like Miss Jessica (formerly of the Golden State Warrior Girls ) try out yesterday for the squad and got "cut". I mean a 2 season vet of one of the NBA's hottest dance squads???! Who are these judges?! Is Paula one of them and possibly having too many morning cocktails?!
. I'm now convinced that the reason why the Laker Girls aren't the "Glam Ladies of the NBA" anymore is because they cut a girl like Jessica and leave the ones that we see year after year. NO cute, fresh faces-no real personality. That's definitely the reason why the Heat, Warriors and other squads have now taken over the title of ?"the Glam Girls of the NBA" Maybe you should check out Jessica (she was on the cover of their calendar last year) and then go ask Jerry WHY they don't have a gorgeous talent like her on their squad?! Personally, I'm just excited for a new season to start and I can say-at LEAST we can make it thru the Playoffs. The Heat and Warriors may have all the beautiful fun girls..but we have players who win. Hopefully soon we can have something to look at more than Kobe's wife in the seats. Hey! maybe shes looking for something to do during games. It's a thought....
Posted by: Mark Green | July 20, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Hey everybody -- glad you're liking the photos! I was actually there to shoot video, so the photos were more of an after thought. The reason some are grainy is that my high-speed shutter only captures 2 megapixels with a 3x zoom (compared to the ones standing in line, which jumped to 10 MP). The video will be coming soon and should be a bit sharper.
Posted by: Adam Rose | July 20, 2008 at 03:04 PM
THANK YOU! THANK YOU, FANTASTIC L.A.!!! PLEASE have BUSTER POINDEXTER appear in a dance review INTRODUCING the final 20 in AND IF WE COULD MAKE THE BOTTOMS A BIT SKIMPIER that would be NICE, cuz we WANT the LAKERS GIRLS TO STRUT THEIR HOTTEST STUFF of all the HOT STUFF and dress as if jabba the hut WERE THEIR COSTUME DESIGNER!! GO jefe JERRY BUSS!!! GO LAKERS FOR EVER AND EVER AND BEYOND!!! AND THANK GOD ABOVE FOR OUR LAKER GIRLS WHO HAVE NO EQUALS!!!
Posted by: JOE FRIDAY | July 20, 2008 at 03:10 PM
When does Kobe get to pick the one he cheats with? Is that later in the process?
Posted by: Melanie S | July 20, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Hmmm, bitch much? Or just jealous?
Posted by: SoCalGal | July 20, 2008 at 03:25 PM
"Miss Jessica"?
was this a post from Tiny Tim? A little creepy if that post was from a dude. Uh, dude... back away from the cheerleaders, you're a little too close...
Posted by: Kwaminus The best moves on the court don't always belong to the players Brownicas | July 20, 2008 at 04:04 PM
LTLF,
We all know how Larry Bird hates his team's many embarrassing brushes with the law and how much he likes White players.
I'd prefer to unload Walton because I think we can still use Vlad's shooting. But, then Luke had an off, injury-laden year and if he can come back with some confidence he's a much smarter and more physical presence...
I like Jeff Foster as a backup. I think he could probably do a good job for us replacing Ronny. Veterans that can still play, I like that idea.
I don't really know a thing about Shawne Williams.
Unloading either Vlad or Walton as in the form of an expiring contract player trade would be wonderful. It could help our team in a major way. I can't endorse that move enough.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 20, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Ak?Bk...............Best thread in the history of this blog.....
.........................Full Stop..............................................................
Posted by: Thirty2 | July 20, 2008 at 04:17 PM
cat fight!!!
Posted by: | July 20, 2008 at 04:18 PM
I find myself drawn to this post in ways my conscious mind can't fully comprehend.
Good stuff!
Posted by: Benjamin | July 20, 2008 at 04:21 PM
CORRECTED POST: I guess the link didn't cut and paste the first time. I'll try again.
If you haven't done so already, click on the link about Jordan Farmar at the top of this thread. Here it is again, so you don't have to scroll up, looking for it:
http://tinyurl.com/5p47fz
We should all appreciate Jordan extending the leadership that he's shown the Bench Mob to the community at large. The Jordan Farmar Foundation, the Children's Hospital reunion, and the trip to the Middle East show the kind of character the NBA could use more of. And let's remember, Jordan is only 21 years old.
Everyone's who's posted with the suggestion of trading Farmar might rethink any such idea. This is a guy who can become a Laker mainstay for years to come, and should be. I personally believe that Jordan is ready to move up into the starting rotation. Fish the elder statesman coming off the bench with Lamar could create a greater all around depth to the Laker rotation. With the return of Bynum to the starting lineup, and the insertion of Farmar, the Lakers could come out of the gate with the kind of energy needed to compete in an even tougher Western Conference in the season ahead.
Let's forget about all the retreads. We have a young generation of Lakers ready to bring the next dynasty to Staples Center for the next decade and beyond.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 20, 2008 at 04:24 PM
This really could have been a TV show where the audience, us, gets to vote.
Dr. Buss, you could be one of the Judges, with Jeannie and Paula.
"So you want to be a Lakers Girl?"
Also don't forget, the sky is the limit and anything is possible with the Lakers.
Paula Abdul a former Lakers girl made it big and one girl with no real basketball experience, was promoted to VP of scouting for the Defenders. As Dr Buss said, she has what it takes, so he promoted her.
Yeah baby!
Posted by: Fatty | July 20, 2008 at 04:32 PM
These photograph's suck, there wasn't one flattering shot among the bunch.
Posted by: Radical Raul | July 20, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Any Laker girl reject is welcome to try-out as one of Dr. Buss's personal hoes.
Posted by: troy | July 20, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Aloha Long Time
I would love to have Jeff Foster but I dont know if I would want a cancer like Williams on my team even for one year. How about this one. I have read that the knicks may shop David Lee because he doesnt really fit in D'Antoni's system. Vlade was born to play in that system. 7 seconds or less with no conscious? that has Vlade written all over it. We send the Knicks Vlade for David Lee and say Malik Rose to make the numbers work. The Knicks get a gunner and rid of 7 mil. that doesnt play and we get a young PF with upside and an old vet for the end of the bench, who may still have 5 or 10 minutes of toughness a night left in him. And I believe this is the last year of Roses contract so he would drop off next year. What do you think?
MH
Posted by: michael h | July 20, 2008 at 04:52 PM
you just made my monday.
Posted by: the don | July 20, 2008 at 06:27 PM
So Vincent M. knows carnage asada. Too close to home!!
I've seen them play many a time.
Posted by: JohnnyP | July 20, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Troy, these women are in their 20's - WAY too old for the Dr. He only uses his Viagra on 18 and 19 yr olds.
I did love the comment about these women being reality show rejects - probably very true for over 95% of them. In one of the pictures a prospect has a gut on her - doubt she's much of a dancer - has she ever seen the costumes the Varsity wears? She reminded me of the lifer Hooters chick - every store has at least one - that really needs to do some serious Stairmaster time before putting the white and orange suit on.
Posted by: West Coast | July 20, 2008 at 08:32 PM
So much for a day without hate.
Fakers keep crying.
hahahahaah
BTW, where was Kobe at the ESPYs?
Ray, KG and Pierce were there?
There was even jokes about Shack and Kobe.
Baastan Forever.
hahaaahah
Oh, by the way, those Fakers girls all had boob jobs and tummy tucks.
hahaahaahahaahh
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 20, 2008 at 08:49 PM