LSBA | Club Teams
At Lamont Smith Basketball Academy, we’re revolutionizing youth basketball development in San Diego through our elite club teams program. Founded by former Division I head coach Lamont Smith, our academy brings collegiate-level training methods to young athletes eager to elevate their game. Our club teams combine intensive skill development, competitive team play, and character building to create well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the court.

Want to join an LSBA Club Team? Here Is What You Need to Know
Player evaluations will occur during practices for all interested players. Based on the player assessments, we’ll determine the best way to proceed. Please review these descriptions of each team to better understand their respective levels:
SD Team
Designed for players who have played recreationally or are new to the game.
United Teams
Designed for players with previous club experience who compete in the SD Thrive or SOL League.
Select Teams
Designed for players with 1+ years of club experience who possess advanced skills and have participated in tournaments outside San Diego. Most games are played in Orange County and Los Angeles County. This team will play at the Silver/Bronze level at tournaments in Orange County and Los Angeles County.
Premier Teams
Designed for players with 2+ years of club experience who possess advanced skills and have participated in tournaments outside San Diego. Most games are played in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and occasionally beyond California. This team focuses on higher-level competition and rigorous training.
Important
Please be candid about your child’s abilities to ensure they are placed on the appropriate team for their assessment. This honesty will give them the best chance to showcase their talents.
New Players Welcome!
As we prepare for the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 seasons, we’re excited to welcome new players and families to experience what makes LSBA one of Southern California’s premier youth basketball development programs.
Please ensure that all returning LSBA players attend one of the player assessment sessions.
Fall Player Assessment Dates (San Diego, CA)
Fall Player Assessment Dates (San Diego, CA)
Date: Sunday, August 2 & Sunday, August 23
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Location: La Jolla High School
Ages: 9U, 10U, and 11U Players
Cost: Free
Date: Sunday, August 2 & Sunday, August 23
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Location: La Jolla High School
Ages: 12U and 13U Players
Cost: Free
Date: Sunday, August 2 & Sunday, August 23
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Location: La Jolla High School
Ages: 14U
Cost: Free
Date: Saturday, August 22 – (Orange County)
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Location: 24 Hour Fitness, 8697 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
Ages: 11U & 12U Players
Cost: Free
Date: Saturday, August 22 – (Orange County)
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Location: 24 Hour Fitness, 8697 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
Ages: 14U Players
Cost: Free
https://lsbballacademy.playbookapi.com/programs/register/club_teams/
Player Assessments help our coaching staff evaluate each athlete and place them in the best environment to develop, compete, and succeed.
We’re pleased to offer two dates for player assessments to ensure everyone can participate, especially for those who may be traveling. Rest assured, attending just one assessment is all you need to secure your spot on the roster.
The LSBA Difference
At LSBA, we believe basketball is about more than the game.
We’re committed to developing the whole athlete by combining high-level basketball instruction with leadership, confidence, discipline, and character development.
Our players benefit from:
- Elite basketball skill development and team training
- Education focused on basketball IQ, mental performance, and resilience
- Speed and Agility clinics hosted by renowned speed and agility professionals
- Guest speakers focused on mental mindfulness, leadership, nutrition, and more
- Community service
- Showcase events at venues such as Intuit Dome, SoFi Stadium, and Crypto.com Arena
- Competition in local, regional, and national tournaments
- Positive culture that challenges, supports, and inspires players to excel on and off the court
Register FOR THIS Fall Player AssessmenT »
Everything we do is built around one philosophy: Reps Done Right
Here’s what sets LSBA apart from other club programs
Here’s what sets LSBA apart from other club programs:
We focus on authentic basketball, moving beyond the typical AAU approach, where players often lack direction and structure. Our program is a genuine youth-to-high-school transition initiative, led by experienced varsity, college, and high school coaches—not just former players and dads.
We emphasize fundamentals such as set offenses, double-team breaks, press breaks, and strategies for navigating hard hedges, zone offenses, and defensive traps. This requires dedication, time, and patience from our staff, as our goal is to teach effectively rather than simply prioritize winning.
We prioritize team defense, emphasizing proper rotations during scrambles, ball-screen coverages, and the discipline to execute these strategies under pressure.
Every player is held to the same high standard, regardless of their position on the roster. There are no favorites and no shortcuts.
We provide consistent court time and practice schedules, so you’ll always know when and where our sessions are held.
Our coaches are fully engaged—no distractions like phones. Each practice and game is meticulously organized, structured, and well-prepared.
We would love the opportunity to work with your child and welcome your family to LSBA this fall.
Customer Testimonials: Success Stories from Our Club Teams
“My son joined Lamont Smith Basketball Academy’s club teams last year, and the transformation has been remarkable. Coach Smith’s attention to detail and focus on fundamentals has improved his game tremendously. The team competitions have given him confidence, and the professional organization makes everything run smoothly for parents. I highly recommend LSBA club teams to any serious young basketball player in San Diego.”
– Maria R., Parent of 12U Player
“After two seasons with Lamont Smith Basketball Academy, my daughter’s basketball IQ has increased exponentially. The coaches understand how to teach the game at a high level while keeping it fun and engaging. The league matches provide great competition, and the team management systems make communication easy. The professional approach to youth basketball is exactly what we were looking for.”
– James T., Parent of 14U Player
“Coach Smith brings Division I expertise to youth basketball in a way I haven’t seen elsewhere in San Diego. His club team’s program emphasizes fundamentals while teaching advanced concepts. My son loves the team competitions and has made tremendous progress in his development. The professional organization makes everything run smoothly for busy families.”
– Sarah K., Parent of 10U Player
Details and FAQs
Who is this for?
Players 10U-14U
Locations
Location: 24 Hour Fitness Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92008
Location: 24 Hour Fitness La Jolla-UTC, 4425 La Jolla Village Dr. Suite 134 San Diego, CA 92122
Location: 24 Hour Fitness Costa Mesa, 1870 Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa, CA 92627
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