The Los Angeles Lakers conducted a drive for new children's books a Sunday's game against the Golden State Warriors in connection with their annual Chick Hearn Night.
Books were collected outside the Star Plaza entrance of Staples Center. All fans donating a new children's book received an official 2010-2011 Lakers pin.
All books will be donated in Hearn's memory to Everybody Wins! Los Angeles, an organization that aims to increase a child's success in school and life through one-on-one reading experiences with caring adults.
Since Hearn's death in 2002, the Lakers have designated their home game closest to the Nov. 27 anniversary of his birth as Chick Hearn Night, which also includes the presentation of scholarships to two students attending the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Hearn was the Lakers' announcer from the start of their radio broadcasts during the 1961 NBA playoffs until his death. He coined many phrases, including slam dunk, which has transcended basketball into use in everyday life.
Hearn's skill as an announcer is credited with helping turn the Lakers from a team that drew 4,008 fans for its first game in Los Angeles in 1960 to becoming the region's most popular team at the time of his death.
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the book drive was scheduled for Monday night.
