49th Birthday, August 2010

President Barack Obama pulled together an informal dream team for a basketball game Sunday. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and other NBA stars joined Obama, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, and Maya Moore of the Connecticut Huskies to play for a group of “wounded warriors” — troops injured in action — and participants in the White House’s mentoring program. It took place at a gym inside Washington’s Fort McNair, a short drive from the White House. Reporters were not allowed inside.

After the game, some of the players joined Obama and a group of his friends for a barbecue at the White House, capping the president’s 49th birthday week.

A small tent and tables decorated with sunflowers and yellow and white tablecloths were being set up on the South Lawn after the game, when the White House said it would serve a meal including shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico.

First lady Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha returned to the White House on Sunday night after a vacation in Spain. The Obamas’ older daughter, Malia, is away at summer camp.