President Obama meets with the Mavericks (10 images)

U.S. President Barack Obama holds a Dallas Mavericks jersey as he poses with owner Mark Cuban (R) and the rest of the team during a ceremony honoring the 2011 NBA Champions in the East Room of the White House on January 9, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama shared some laughs as he congratulated Dallas for their first National Basketball League Championship. UPI/Pat Benic

U.S. President Barack Obama shares a laugh with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (C) as Obama greets guests during a ceremony honoring the 2011 NBA Champions in the East Room of the White House on January 9, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama shared some laughs as he congratulated Dallas for their first National Basketball League Championship. UPI/Pat Benic

U.S. President Barack Obama shares a laugh with Dallas Mavericks players Dirk Nowitzki (L), of Germany, and Jason Kidd (R) during a ceremony honoring the 2011 NBA Champions in the East Room of the White House on January 9, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama shared some laughs as he congratulated Dallas for their first National Basketball League Championship. UPI/Pat Benic

U.S. President Barack Obama receives a Dallas Mavericks jersey from Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki, of Germany, during a ceremony honoring the 2011 NBA Champions in the East Room of the White House on January 9, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama shared some laughs as he congratulated Dallas for their first National Basketball League Championship. UPI/Pat Benic