Mayweather, '07 and '09, a leadership studies faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, told the audience he was not going to deliver a typical speech about King, but rather reflect on King's vision and how Lakers can build and realize their own visions.

"When you pursue your vision, it's not going to be safe or comfortable," Mayweather said. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in education from GVSU, followed by a doctorate in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University.

He guided participants through several written exercises designed to help them identify where they fall on the spectrum between leadership and management. Leaders, he explained, drive change and foster dialogue, while managers create order and consistency through delegation.

"Dr. King was a master leader. Leadership and management complement each other, but to have one without the other is ineffective," he said.