By: Sheyla Ornelas

James Lawton and Jay Rueffner are two best friends residing in Los Angeles County who share more than just friendship; they love the Lakers and they love Sasha! In fact, it was their love for the Lakers that played as a catalyst into building their friendship. They met in 1991 while working at Lanterman Developmental Center in a sheltered workshop.

I had the opportunity to speak with Lanterman employees who work closely with them and they said the following: “They eat, drink, breathe, and sleep the Lakers”, said Lois Tolbert, Teacher’s Assistant at Lanterman Developmental Center, when referring to James and Jay. Dorothy Snyder and Pamela Daniels who work in Community Industries with them also joined in saying stories about them and agreeing that, “They are true Lakers fans.”

For many years now, James and Jay often dress and accessorize in Lakers clothing while always having a Lakers topic ready to discuss. I stopped by their work station one early morning to ask them a few questions. When I met up with them they were dressed in Lakers shirts as usual and had similar Lakers hats on. When anybody meets James and Jay, I can assure you that there is no doubt these two are best friends as well as Laker fanatics. When asking each of them questions, one would agree with the other’s commentary, repeat it, or finish the other’s sentence. If you have seen the movie “The Sandlot,” you can relate James and Jay to the characters of siblings, Timmy and Tommy Timmons, to get a better understanding of the bond they share. Here are a few questions I asked them:

Who is your favorite Lakers player?

Jay: Sasha is definitely up there as one of my favorites.

James: Yeah, ever since we picked him up to play for us, I have liked him. He works hard and is a great player.

What did you like about Sasha?

James: He is a great player and he is a great person. He is always helping people like us out and he takes the time to speak with his fans.

Jay: Yeah, he is always helping people out and he is a great shooter.

What does Sasha do to help others that stands out for you?

James: I noticed he is very involved helping children.

Jay: He is always nice to people, has a great attitude, and is good role model.

When did you first become a Lakers fan?

Jay: When I first started working at Lanterman in 1991, I met James and he is the one that taught me everything about basketball. Before that I didn’t watch any sports, after that I have been a fan ever since.

James: I have been a fan for a very long time. I have watched basketball way back when Magic Johnson used to play.

It must have been really neat to experience Magic Johnson play.

James: Yes, it was. I remember watching the Lakers game for the first time when I saw Magic play and he was shooting and making those shots. After that I became interested in basketball right away and wanted to see more!

What do you like about the Lakers?

James: When watching the games, I really like how they play as a team. Sasha goes in and gives it his all to make the best of his time. He passes the ball around and is a great shooter. I also use that in my own life. It helps me become a better person, because I am also a team player.

Jay: That’s why we are great friends.

If you can tell Sasha one thing, what would you say?

James: Please stick around. I want to see more of you. When I first saw you, I was like, “Whoa! This guy is good!” He made those three-pointers and he really impressed me.

Jay: Yeah. Come back! You are a great player!