One Piece Announces Special NBA Event That Will Introduce Luffy to LeBron James

If securing a spot in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade wasn't enough, Monkey D. Luffy and his One Piece companions continue their transition from beloved otaku favorites to pillars of American mainstream entertainment —this time partnering with one of the most iconic franchises in Western pop culture: the Los Angeles Lakers.

As revealed in a post by @Lakers, the team's official X account, on February 28, 2025, in a "One Piece - Lakers" collaboration, Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates will join Lakers starters LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Japan's own Rui Hachimura, as they take on their crosstown rivals, the Clippers, in a battle for the "One Piece" that all Los Angeles NBA basketball crews seek – bragging rights. While no further details on the collaboration, officially titled "One Piece Night," have been released, the Lakers have promised that more information will be forthcoming.

One Piece and the Lakers' Collaboration Proves Anime's Global Impact

One Piece Has Steadily Been Making Inroads Into America's Heart

As anime continues to infuse, replace, and revolutionize American entertainment, Japanese content creators like Eiichiro Oda, author of One Piece, and American companies across industries – fashion, retail, restaurants, and sports teams like the Lakers – seek to leverage its popularity to expand their fan bases and customer reach. One Piece, a beloved anime series among manga and anime enthusiasts, has been particularly successful in transcending its niche audience, resonating with a broader, non-traditional fan base.

Perhaps the best example of this phenomenon is its collaboration with streaming giant Netflix to produce a live-action series. While live-action adaptations of manga and anime have a mixed track record of success, the One Piece production was an instant hit and went on to become one of Netflix’s breakout stars of 2023. Not only did it provide enjoyment for traditional fans, but it also helped introduce the anime to millions of non-anime viewers.

The Lakers Collab Gives One Piece Top-Level Showtime

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In short, One Piece achieved its true mainstream breakthrough in America. Since then, aside from its notable cameo in the Macy’s Parade, Luffy has been appearing everywhere across the country, including a memorable appearance at the Las Vegas Sphere, further solidifying One Piece’s place in American entertainment and pop culture.

One Piece's collaboration with the Los Angeles Lakers marks a significant milestone in the franchise's quest to become a global manga and anime powerhouse. Partnering with the Lakers is a strategic move, leveraging the team's unparalleled recognition and cultural influence. As a professional basketball team with a storied history, iconic players, and Hollywood connections, the Lakers embody a cultural institution with worldwide reach. This partnership is poised to infuse One Piece with the Lakers' signature "showbiz" flair, elevating Luffy, his crew, and One Piece to new heights.

Source: @Lakers