One Piece Collaborates with Los Angeles Lakers for Special Game Night

Image credits: ©eiichiro Oda/Shueisha/Toei Animation/©bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

The world of anime and sports has collided once again, with the Los Angeles Lakers partnering with the popular Japanese anime One Piece for a special game night. The collaboration takes place during the Lakers' game against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 28 at 10pm EST/7pm CST at the Crypto.com arena. The game will feature a new animation of Monkey D. Luffy shooting hoops, as well as a limited-edition collaborative t-shirt featuring Luffy in a Lakers-inspired uniform.

The Lakers x One Piece collaboration is not the first time the anime has partnered with a major sports team. In 2024, the Straw Hat Pirates made an appearance at Fenway Park for a Boston Red Sox game, and they will be returning to Fenway Park in May 2025. The collaboration is taking place while the One Piece anime is on a break, but new episodes are set to begin airing again in April with the Spring/Summer anime season. Fans can stream the game live on ESPN, Sportsnet LA, and FDSSC, or through live TV subscription services such as fuboTV and DirecTV.

For fans attending the game, there will be multiple One Piece activations, including a Bounty Rush photo booth on the main concourse inside Crypto.com Arena. Randomly selected fans will also be invited to compete for prizes in a special on-court One Piece game. The limited-edition collaborative t-shirt will be available to attendees, featuring a special Lakers-inspired visual of Luffy going for a dunk. The night will also see the release of special visuals of the Straw Hat Pirates Crew on social media, as well as a poster featuring newly revealed artwork of the beloved characters.

The collaboration between the Los Angeles Lakers and One Piece is a unique and exciting event that brings together two different worlds. With the anime's motivational storylines and the Lakers' competitive spirit, it's sure to be a thrilling game. For those who can't attend in person, the game will be available to stream online through various services. The Lakers x One Piece collaboration is a must-see event for fans of both the anime and the NBA team. Some of the key details of the event include:

• Game date: February 28
• Game time: 10pm EST/7pm CST
• Location: Crypto.com arena
• Streaming services: ESPN, Sportsnet LA, FDSSC, fuboTV, DirecTV
• Collaborative t-shirt: Limited-edition, featuring Luffy in a Lakers-inspired uniform
• One Piece activations: Bounty Rush photo booth, on-court game, special visuals on social media

The Los Angeles Lakers' collaboration with One Piece is a testament to the growing popularity of anime and its ability to transcend different cultures and industries. With its rich storylines and memorable characters, One Piece has become a beloved franchise around the world. The partnership with the Lakers is a unique opportunity for fans to experience the anime in a new and exciting way, and it's sure to be a memorable event for all involved. As the world of anime and sports continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what other collaborations and partnerships emerge in the future.