Lakers watch as Barack Obama is sworn in as president

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Lakers players had their televisons tuned in this morning so they could watch history.

Many of the Lakers spoke about how proud they were to see Barack Obama give his inaugural address to become the 44th president of the United States.

Many of the Lakers spoke about what it felt to them as African Americans to see an African American become the most powerful man in the world.

‘Kids always look at us athletes to be their role models, and we can’t take that for granted,’’ Lamar Odom said. ‘But Barack, now he’s a true role model.’’

Many of the Lakers said they wished that they could have attended the inauguration in Washington, but the Lakers played a game Monday night, practiced Tuesday and will play again Wednesday.

‘I thought it was incredible,’’ Kobe Bryant said. ‘It was an historical moment. It’s exciting. It’s exciting times we live in. I’m just happy to be a part of it and to be able to see it and embrace it. God bless him.’’

-- Broderick Turner