News has long since broke that Washington D.C.'s Goodman League will host Los Angeles's Drew League in an exhibition between the nation's best two summer basketball leagues on August 20. It now appears that each side will be armed with their fair share of NBA stars. In the absence of official leagues and practice facilities during the ongoing NBA lockout, many in the Association have taken to these outdoor leagues to fulfill their basketball cravings.
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar and D.C. native Kevin Durant is reportedly working with LA natives Baron Davis and Dorell Wright to bring a Drew League team filled with NBA talent like Ron Artest, James Harden and J.R. Smith to Washington to square off against the likes of Durant, Michael Beasley, John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins.
The showdown might be a homecoming for several Drew League players with local connections, including current Wizards JaVale McGee and Nick Young, as well as current Laker, former Wizard and one-time University of Maryland standout Steve Blake.
All this is just one part of an even greater trend of NBA players finding alternative playing sites in the absence of NBA facilities during the lockout. For example, 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose will join Durant, Andre Iguodala and Blake Griffin at the Smart Gilas Pilipinas on July 25 and 26 in the Phillipines.
Nearly every star who has been asked has said that he would consider playing professionally overseas if the lockout persists. This trend might force the NBA and its owners to the negotiating table to prevent more stars from signing on with European teams, like New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams did earlier this month.