Be sure to check out Mike’s interview on the Eternity Sports podcast.
Mike Penberthy is a guy I had heard about over the years and vaguely remember him on the Lakers. We’re both Southern California kids and not too far apart in age. A few years after moving to Los Angeles, we both ended up playing in an all-star game together and it was like we knew each other for years. We had mutual friends and so much in common — it was easy to talk hoops, life, and God.
Mike has a real heart for the Lord.
It’s been a joy watching Mike pursue his post-playing career with coaching, and he’s always a fun cart partner on the golf course. (That is, if you don’t mind cigar smoke.) Mike understands the game at the highest level, but I believe it’s his ability to relate to the guys in the NBA that is his greatest coaching attribute. He works out NBA all-stars, and yet he’s always gracious to come out to our youth basketball camps at Shepherd Sports to share stories and his faith with campers. He’s just a cool guy that gets it.
It was fun to sit down with Mike as he shared his basketball journey and spiritual testimony. Behind all the famous basketball players and amazing stories about his Lakers days, Mike has a real heart for the Lord. His faith is seen in a world where people often succumb to the pressure of the culture around them. When you watch a game and see a coach rocking the bow tie, that’s Mike… Pray for him and opportunities to speak directly into the hearts of all those he’s coaching. I have no doubt we’ll see him as an NBA head coach real soon.
