LOS ANGELES –It’s been over four months since Evan Brooks has seen his beloved Lakers play. But just before the season’s suspension, Lakers fans were cheering for him.
“Once it went through the net, I lost my mind. I feel like I kind of blacked out,” said Brooks.
He won $100,000 by draining a half-court shot during a stoppage of play in a game against Detroit back in January. He knew he was lucky just to be selected. But he had a strategy well before arriving.
“I told my brother let’s show up before the doors open and see what happens,” Brooks said.
He’s just the 11th fan to make the shot since the 2006-2007 season.
“I think it was just my destiny. My dream was to play in the NBA. God still let me make a little money off my jump shot.”
The money could not have come at a better a time in the middle of a pandemic. It will help support his mother whose cancer is in remission. Brooks hopes the money will help lighten the load.
“I just think it’s really important to give back to her and make sure that she’s OK financially just because of what she’s done for me,” said Brooks.
“The fact that he’s even willing to step up and help mom, it’s special to me. The cool think about Evan is he does it from his heart,” his mother said.
It’s a story of a lucky shot, bringing a big check, shared with love, between a son, mom, and yes, Lakers pride.
The Brooks family, like all of Los Angeles, is ready for Clippers and Lakers tonight.