Barack Obama has taken time out from the pressures of the
presidency to shoot hoops with stars of the basketball world as part of
his birthday celebrations.
President Obama enjoys a joke with Chicago
Bulls players Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose
In front of an audience of wounded soldiers, Mr Obama was joined by Magic Johnson, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant for the game at Fort McNair near Washington.
The US President turned 49 last Wednesday but spent the day without his family.
His wife Michelle and youngest daughter Sasha were holidaying in Spain. His eldest daughter Malia was away at camp.
On Wednesday he went back to Chicago for a meal with friends at a local restaurant and a night’s sleep in his own home.
After playing basketball for two hours, Mr Obama returned to the White House for a barbeque with friends and Michelle and Sasha, who had just returned from Marbella.
It was made public that Gulf shrimp were on the menu for the informal meal outside on the South Lawn: a gesture from the top that the seafood is safe despite the BP oil leak.
The disaster in the Gulf is just one of the many problems on the president's plate. He is due back in the region next weekend.
Along with his family he will make a brief visit to the Florida panhandle before taking off for a summer vacation on the coast of New England and the resort of Martha’s Vineyard.