WASHINGTON (AP) — A White House official says President Barack Obama will meet with the NBA champion L.A. Lakers next week. It's not clear, though, that the basketball-loving president will shoot hoops with Kobe Bryant and his teammates.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a formal announcement later Thursday.

The official said that although presidents typically host champion sports teams at the White House, Obama and the Lakers will participate in a community service event in the District of Columbia area instead.

Bryant was present in August when Obama gathered some current and former NBA superstars for a private game. Obama plays basketball often but had to get his lip stitched up a couple weeks ago after another player elbowed him.

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