If securing a spot in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade wasn't enough, Monkey D. Luffy and your One piece The teammates continue their transition from beloved otaku favorites to mainstays of mainstream American entertainment - this time in partnership with one of Western pop culture's most iconic franchises: the Los Angeles Lakers.
As revealed in a post by @Lakersthe 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 Hachimuraas they face their rivals, the Clippers, in a battle for the "One Piece" that every Los Angeles NBA basketball team seeks - bragging rights. While no additional details about the collaboration, officially titled “One Piece Night,” have been released, the Lakers have promised that more information will be released.
One Piece and Lakers Collaboration Proves Anime's Global Impact
One Piece has been making steady inroads into the heart of America
As anime continues to infuse, replace, and revolutionize American entertainment, Japanese content creators like Eiichiro Oda, author of One pieceand American companies across sectors – fashion, retail, restaurants and sports teams like the Lakers – seek to leverage their popularity to expand their fan bases and customer reach. One pieceAn anime series beloved among manga and anime enthusiasts, it 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 the collaboration with streaming giant Netflix to produce a live-action series. Although live-action adaptations of manga and anime have a mixed track record of success, the One piece The production was an instant hit and became one of Netflix's breakout stars of 2023. Not only did it provide entertainment for traditional fans, it also helped introduce millions of non-anime viewers to anime.
The Lakers Collab Delivers High-Level Show for One Piece
Briefly, One piece achieved its true mainstream breakthrough in America. Since then, in addition to his notable Macy's Parade appearance, Luffy has appeared everywhere across the country, including a memorable appearance at the Las Vegas Sphere, further solidifying One pieceplace in American entertainment and pop culture.
One piece'The franchise's collaboration with the Los Angeles Lakers marks a significant milestone in the franchise's quest to become a global manga and anime powerhouse. The partnership 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 global reach. This partnership is poised to infuse One piece with the Lakers' characteristic "showbiz" style, elevating Luffyits crew and One piece to new heights.
Source: @Lakers