MLF Toyota Series angler Todd Kline of San Clemente, Calif., didn’t just earn a heavy trophy and a giant cardboard check earlier this year after winning the first Western Division event at Lake Havasu. He was also named the honorary captain earlier this week for his hometown Los Angeles Clippers basketball team when they faced off against the Chicago Bulls in an NBA game at Crypto.com Arena.
“It was an amazing experience,” Kline said. “Walking out on the court in L.A. and seeing the stars and celebrities sitting courtside in the crowd – pretty awesome. The whole experience was incredible. My mom was in town visiting and it was great to have her there to experience it with me.
“I am a big Clippers fan. My friend and NBA legend Brian Shaw is the assistant coach, and Paul George is a bass fisherman and a friend as well,” Kline continued. “It’s nearing the end of the season and every game is important for them to make sure they are solid heading into the playoffs. I need to give a huge thank you to the Los Angeles Clippers for the opportunity to represent my sponsors, MLF and WON Bass on the major platform the NBA offers. What an awesome night.”
In an exciting game that had playoff ramifications for both teams, Kline’s Clippers bested the Bulls 124-112.
With two regular-season events in the Western Division now complete, Kline sits in second place in the Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 506 points, just two points behind leader Nick Salvucci of Atascadero, Calif.
The next event will be the third and final regular-season tournament of the year at the California Delta April 19-21.
