OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) — Star NBA guard and East Bay native Damian Lillard was seen among those in attendance at the celebration of life service for legendary local football coach John Beam Saturday. Beam’s memorial is being held at the Calvin Simmons Theater from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Oakland . The public can watch the service on KRON4.com. Lillard was seen shaking hands with those in attendance before the service began. The nine-time NBA All-Star previously paid his respects to Beam’s family on social media following the coach’s tragic death on Nov. 13. Lillard called Beam a “true Oakland legend” and a “great man.” NBA star Damian Lillard seen at coach John Beam's memorial service in Oakland on Jan. 10, 2026. (KRON4) “Rest In Peace Coach Beam,” Lillard wrote on social media. “Condolences to his family and all who loved him.” Lillard said that Beam gave him his first job working at Laney College football games. “Hundreds of kids all over Oakland became the type of men they are today because of this dude and for someone from that exact world to randomly come and take his life just ain’t right … this ain’t the Oakland I grew up in,” Lillard said of Beam's murder. During his career, Beam coached more than 20 players who went on to play in the NFL, including Nahshon Wright of the Chicago Bears, Rejzohn Wright of the New Orleans Saints, former Los Angeles Rams player C.J. Anderson and two-time Super Bowl champion offensive lineman Marvel Smith. ...read more read less