HERMOSA BEACH PIER (Pier and Hermosa Avenues, Hermosa Beach; hermosabch.org): I love the laid-back environment; it’s not busy like Hollywood. I can go there to be low-key, get some food and chill. Plus, if you like volleyball, you’re in the right spot. There is some high-level volleyball just north of the pier. Sunday mornings also attract a lot of football fans to the local restaurants for NFL games.
SANTA MONICA STAIRS (Fourth Street and Adelaide Drive, Santa Monica): This is a great place to work out. I spend a lot of time here during the offseason to get ready for work. If you haven’t tried the stairs, check them out—and your workout comes with a great view of the Pacific Ocean, too.
LUCKY STRIKE LANES & LOUNGE AT LA LIVE (800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, 213-542- 4880; lalive.com): This is my spot. They take care of me. I like to go after games because they’re open late. There is always good food and a great time—plus I like to bowl, and I’m very competitive. I even have my own ball.
UNCLE BILL’S PANCAKE HOUSE (1305 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310-545-5177; unclebills. net): This [place has] the best breakfast in the South Bay. My favorite is French toast, eggs and freshsqueezed orange juice. I like to eat my breakfast outside with the ocean breeze. It’s busy all day so try to get there early.
ROSCOE’S HOUSE OF CHICKEN N WAFFLES (1514 N. Gower St., Los Angeles, 323-466- 7453): If I’m in LA, I’m going to Roscoe’s. I have a lot of memories there because I grew up around the corner.
THE GROVE (189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, 323-900-8080; thegrovela.com): It has a movie theater, shops and restaurants—everything I like to do on my days off. I like the environment and young crowd there. [Developer] Rick Caruso is a genius, even if he is a Trojan.
UCLA (405 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, 310-825- 4321; ucla.edu): Such a beautiful campus. I like to go visit my old coaches and players and my academic advisor. I’m getting ready to step up my game and finish my degree. Go Bruins!
PLATINUM MOTORSPORT (7327 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, 323-935-0215; platinummotorsport. com): This is the only place I take my cars. They take care of me, and they’re the best in the business.
LAKERS PRACTICE FACILITY AND STAPLES CENTER (1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 213- 742-7100; staplescenter.com): These two places are probably where I spend most of my time, in season and during the summer. All these other spots are cool, but I have a lot of long days and late nights at these two. They are my offices!
