Q+a [ll Cool J]

The hip-hop Hall of Famer stars in the new romantic comedy Deliver Us from Eva and is performing in the NBA 's All-Star Read to Achieve concert this Saturday.

SI : Before the NBA show, are you playing in the celebrity game?

LL: No. I like hoops, but I'd rather leave the playing to the professionals.

SI : Tell us about the children's book you wrote, And the Winner Is...about a young basketball player and sportsmanship. Why that topic?

LL: It's important to treat the opposing team with respect whether you win or lose, and this is my way of teaching kids to deal with success and with failure.

SI : You've done a rap version of Take Me Out to the Ballgame with Ken Griffey Jr. and Sammy Sosa . Do you think they could make it as rap stars?

LL: Cute question, but I don't know.

SI : After playing a running back in Any Given Sunday and a former football star in the sitcom In the House, do you think you could have made it as a football player?

LL: I would have put everything into trying.

SI : How tough was the training for Sunday? You separated your shoulder, right?