Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts spent part of his winter offseason training with future Hall of Fame player Chris Paul, who played for the Los Angeles Clippers for years.
In an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, Dec. 30, Betts was seen at the Clippers’ practice facility in Los Angeles, going through shooting drills and playing a one-on-one with another elite athlete.
Betts played multiple sports in high school, including baseball and basketball. He also bowls passionately and enjoys time on the golf course.
When appearing on a live stream with Adin Ross, Mookie Betts revealed that he almost gave up baseball during his time in the minor leagues and considered a college basketball career, preparing to take the ACT so he could get into college.
More news: Records Dodgers Could Break Throughout 2026 Season
However, he had a great game the day before the test, which led him to stay on the baseball path. His near exit from baseball highlights his passion for basketball, a sport that continues to live in his heart.
During an interview with All The Smoke, Betts described his playstyle on the hardwood and how he looks to operate on the court.
“I probably averaged, like, 14 points a game,” Betts said. “I almost averaged a double-double. So I really controlled the game. I’m not out there — I’m nowhere near a star, by no means.
“Like, I can control the offense. I’m not gonna lose it. I won’t win it, but I will put it in the man’s hands that will win it. I guarantee you that. So if you need it, I’ll do all the dirty work, and I got you.
“So I got hoop with Brandon Miller a couple times when he was in high school, and then right before college, and like, that was right up my alley.
“All I gotta do is bring it up the court. Give it to me and I’ll give it to him and I’ll play defense. So really, I was just more athletic and better than everyone in my area. So that’s where that came from.”
More news: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts, Miguel Rojas Discuss Surprise Turning Point in World Series Run
Betts’s potential turn to basketball was an inflection point at which he could have missed out on a budding Hall of Fame career.
Luckily for the Dodgers, Betts is not playing basketball professionally in December, but rather enjoying some offseason work as he looks to stay active during his much-needed time off.
Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
