Although Kobe, LeBron and D-Wade won’t be making any trips to the Troy Recreation Department gym, fans can still catch the Lakers, Heat and other teams in action.

The recreation league basketball season tips off on January 8, and 16 teams have been busy preparing for quite a while.

“The teams have practicing for well over a month now,” said Dan Smith, head of Troy Parks and Recreation. “I know they are wanting to get out there, and play a real game.”

The basketball league is split in to four different age groups: 8-and-under, 10-and-under, 12-and-under girls and 12-and-under boys.

The teams each sport a name of a NBA or WNBA franchise, such as Thunder, Clippers, Mystics and Fever.

Smith feels that the basketball season provides a way for families to enjoy the game, and exercise during the winter.

“We are always excited for a sports season at the recreation department whether it be soccer, baseball, softball, football or basketball” said Smith. “The basketball season is another way for the kids to play a sport during the winter months. It is an opportunity for the families to come and do something together.”

Three teams make up the 8-and-under division, five for the 10-and-under and 12-and-under boys and three for the 12-and-under girls.

The games will utilize both courts at the Troy Parks and Recreation Department, and will take place on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through early February.

“We are excited for all the boys and girls,” said Smith. “It will be another good year for basketball at the recreation department.”

The opening night of the season, January 8, will feature six games and all age divisions will see action.

The Lakers will play the Lakers in the 8-and-under bracket, amd the Fever will take on the Flames in the 12-and-under girls division.

Two games are on the docket for the other age levels.

The Bulls will play the Heat, and the Lakers Vs. Nets in the 10-and-under group, while the Thunder and Clippers, and Lakers and Heat will do battle in the 12-and-under boys.

The games begin at 5:45 p.m. at the Troy Recreation Department gymnasium.