Misha Cavaye emigrated from London, England to attend Santa Monica College and play for the men’s basketball team in 2016 where he played under Head Coach Trevor Shickman. He began his coaching career as a student assistant for the SMC men’s team and served as a recruiting coach for Lydia Strong and the women’s basketball team. Misha graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Northridge. While at CSUN, Misha was affiliated with the men’s basketball team as a video coordinator, winning the Big West conference championship and making a NCAA tournament appearance in 2008. Through his love of Kinesiology, he interned with the strength and conditioning department as well.

 

While completing his Master’s Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia, Irvine, Misha joined the Los Angeles Lakers as a team attendant and member of the equipment staff. He served in this role for 5 years through the end of Kobe Bryant’s career. In 2016, he became the very first strength and conditioning coach for the South Bay Lakers, the official development minor league team for the Los Angeles Lakers.

 

Over his eight seasons with the South Bay Lakers, Misha also served as the team’s massage therapist and participated in Lakers summer leagues, training camps and NBA combine pre-draft testing. He has trained players who earned MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards, with over 25 of his players called up to play in the NBA.

 

In addition to his strength coach and massage licensure, Misha is certified in a range of advanced techniques, including Postural Restoration Institute (PRI), Myodetox, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) as well as many others. With a deep understanding of human movement, he works with private client, specializing in posture, management, breathing, and myofascial release. Misha also works as a therapist & trainer at Elite Performance Clinic in Encino, CA. Residing in Torrance with his wife & 3 cats.’