Long before the spotlight and the keys, Lay Z lived on hardwood. A New York kid who became a Tel Aviv legend — eccentric, electric and impossible to guard.
“Playing basketball was, for me, always about entertaining. I found a language where I could be eccentric on the court — and also be creative.” — LAY Z GORDON
Eliezar “Lay Z” Gordon enters the world in NYC.
The family moves to Israel. He grows up on the streets and courts of Tel Aviv.
Earns his stripes in the youth system of Israel's most storied club.
Moves to Houston and lights it up for Bellaire High School.
Takes his game to NCAA hoops at Towson University and Texas State University.
Comes home and signs a multi-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Ten pro seasons in Israel's elite first league — and the national-team jersey.
Retires from professional basketball — but never leaves the game.
Beloved TV basketball commentator and mentor — then the music took the lead.
Long before the NBA, a 10-year-old Deni Avdija was brought to Lay Z for private sessions. Instead of drilling jump shots, Lay Z taught him to read the floor — court vision, ball-handling, rhythm and timing. The same jazz feel that drives his music helped shape one of Israel's finest.
“You don't work on shooting with a 10-year-old — like you don't put a bridge on baby teeth.” — LAY Z GORDON
Lay Z brings the hardwood into the boardroom — turning a decade at the top of pro basketball into powerful talks for teams and organizations. Leadership, teamwork and winning under pressure, told through real stories from the court.
What a locker room teaches about leading people — on the best nights and the hardest ones.
How real teams move as one, trust the pass, and win together.
Staying cool with the clock running down — performing when it matters most.
The jersey came off in '98 — the game never did.
TV basketball commentator on games across Europe.
Coaching and guiding the next generation of players.
Running sessions for executives on the hardwood — leadership, teamwork & groove.
Same heart, different arena. Return to the piano, the groove and the stories.
Return To The Music →