Lakers introduce Ava after eighth-grader's osteosarcoma fight

She returned to the court nearly a year after surgery

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 44m1 min read

Lakers fans, meet Ava 💜💛 In eighth grade, Ava began experiencing pain during basketball practice that ultimately led to Via @Lakers on X

What happened: Ava's diagnosis followed pain she began feeling during basketball practice in eighth grade. Her treatment at UCLA Health included chemotherapy and surgery for osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.

Why it matters: The Lakers are in preseason camp ahead of the 2026-27 season, and Ava's story keeps the club's community work in view. It also extends recent team outreach that included welcoming Erven, 13, after months in hospital in September.

By the numbers: Ava was in eighth grade when the pain began and returned to the court nearly a year after surgery.

What to watch: The Lakers continue camp with roster cuts due by Oct. 20. Watch for whether Ava's story carries into additional preseason community events with UCLA Health this month.

Sources

@Lakers 2026-10-03T16:02:00.926527+00:00

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