President Obama picked the Los Angeles Lakers to defeat the Orlando Magic for the NBA Championship, moments before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

Obama, who is a big basketball fan, was asked who he expects to win as he walked out of the White House on his way to the Marine One helicopter.

Over the loud whine of the chopper, Obama stopped, took a few steps back toward reporters, and said, "Lakers in six."

Obama will arrive in Riyadh Wednesday for meetings with King Abdullah before heading to Egypt Thursday for a much anticipated speech to the Muslim world.

Game one of the finals, in Los Angeles, will tip off at 9 p.m. Eastern on Thursday night.

-- Jon Ward, White House reporter, The Washington Times

Follow me on Twitter // jward@washingtontimes.com // Read my latest articles here // My YouTube channel

• 
• Comment