GRANADA HILLS, Calif. — Larry Drew II grew up around the game of basketball in L.A.

His father, Larry Drew Sr., played for both the Lakers and the Clippers.

“My pops was pretty athletic,” Drew said.

His love for the game grew from observing his dad on and off the court.

“Watching him definitely taught me that this is the highest level of competition in the world, and you can obviously get here too if you make the right sacrifices and the dedication to the game of basketball,” said Drew. “You’ll get out what you put into it.”

After retiring as a player, Drew Sr. remained dedicated. He has spent almost 30 years as both an assistant and head coach, including a championship run in Cleveland. Now his son is proud to watch him make his return to L.A. as an assistant coach with the Clippers.

“Almost 40 years in the NBA total,” said Drew. “He’s coached the likes of LeBron, Kobe, Michael Jordan, so you tell me who might be better qualified? There’s not too many other coaches with that type of pedigree.”

Even though Drew’s dad is back in L.A., because of the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols, the father and son can’t spend too much time together in person due to the NBA's COVID-19 protocols. That means there will be lots of chats over Facetime. But Larry II is just happy his dad is back in the same city.

“It means everything, especially in times like this, to try to keep your family close as possible, given the circumstances," he said.

Like his father, Drew would also make it to the NBA, proving his dad right about dedication and putting in the work. Now he’s hoping the Clippers can get finally over the hump and deliver their first championship with the elder Drew now on the bench.

“Yeah, he definitely feels like they have what it takes to get over that hump, this year especially.”