Feb 17, 2026; Pacific Palisades, CA, USA; Genesis Invitational tournament host Tiger Woods speaks to the media during a press conference at Riviera Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Lakers Attending The Genesis Invitational & Spoke With Tiger Woods

Originally posted on Lakers Nation | By Corey Hansford | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 10:04 AM ET

One thing Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has always done since he joined the organization was arrange for different celebrities to come in, spend some time with and talk to the team. It is known as the “Genius Talks” series and has featured such iconic figures as Denzel Washington, Kendrick Lamar and Will Smith.

The goal of this is to provide motivation to the team and help to build the desired culture within the Lakers locker room and organization as a whole by connecting them with celebrities throughout sports and entertainment who have unique experiences themselves.

Saturday provided the latest edition of the series as the Lakers traveled Riviera Country Club, home to The Genesis Invitational, where the team spoke with whom most consider the greatest golfer of all-time in Tiger Woods, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:

The Lakers continued their “Genius Talks” series with a field trip to Riviera Country Club on Saturday for the Genesis Invitational, with Rob Pelinka arranging a visit and address from Tiger Woods for the team (: @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/jA8EgPcXRF

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 22, 2026

Considering some of the absolute golf fanatics on this Lakers roster, namely Austin Reaves and LeBron James, this had to be one of the most anticipated talks of the entire series. To be able to take a trip to Riviera had to be an amazing experience for everyone and as is seen in the photo, basically the entire roster is there taking it all in.

But Woods also has such a unique story as he is one of the few athletes that was on the level of a James, Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan in terms of popularity and visibility around the world and pure dominance in his sport. He has also dealt with all of the pitfalls that come with being a celebrity of that stature so he undoubtedly has plenty to share in so many aspects of sport and life.

The “Genius Talks” series has been something that Pelinka has continued throughout his tenure and is great in allowing the Lakers to come together on things outside of basketball and help that chemistry and closeness grow.

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This article first appeared on Los Angeles Lakers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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