Kurt Rambis may be known primarily as a key role player for the juggernaut 1980s Los Angeles Lakers squads, but on this day he was a star attraction.

Rambis highlighted a three-day Sequim Youth Basketball summer camp with a visit on July 27, talking with youths about his playing days and giving advice about how to develop good habits and succeed in sports, in work and life in general.

“If you work at something, you’re going to get better at it,” Rambis said, but later added, “You have to have a desire. You have to have a passion. If your parents have to tell you to go play, you don’t have it.”

See more photos from the event here.

Rambis, known for his defense and rebounding prowess, spent most of his 14 seasons in the NBA with the Lakers, winning championships in 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988.

“Sometimes we had success, sometimes we didn’t; it didn’t stop us from working hard,” Rambis said.

“I was kind of the last option in our group (but) filling a role is something I enjoyed doing. I’m 6-8, 240. I’m small for a power forward, so I have to have a certain amount of determination to play against those (top players).”

The visit came about after a connection through Rambis’ family and Sequim youth sports. Rambis’ brother Randy and family moved to the Sequim area about a year ago and trains with John Qualls’ 360 Sports Performance.

Visiting a Sequim Middle School gym crowded with youths and teens, the 60-year-old Rambis talked about his favorite players to watch growing up (Bob McAdoo,Bill Walton, John Havlicek, Pete Maravich), his favorite players to play against (those on the best teams) and, a bit closer to the generation he was talking with, those he got a chance to coach while (primarily) an assistant with the Lakers during the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O’Neal era.

“They don’t make guys like this anymore; guys just want to score,” Greg Glasser, Sequim High boys varsity and camp coach, told the young players.

Under the direction of Glasser and Art Green, the three-day camp served youths in grades 1-8, with help from high school varsity and junior varsity boys and girls.

Learn more about Sequim Youth Basketball at www.facebook.com/Sequim-Youth-Basketball-411714649026733/.

Sequim youth Jamison Gray, tries to guard former NBA star Kurt Rambis as the latter shows off some of his favorite post moves.