One Piece Will Introduce Luffy to LeBron James

Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew Join Forces with the Los Angeles Lakers in a Major Collaboration

If appearing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade wasn’t enough to highlight One Piece’s transition into American mainstream, Monkey D. Luffy and his crew have now teamed up with one of the most iconic franchises in Western sports—the Los Angeles Lakers. The announcement was made on February 28, 2025, via a post from the Lakers’ official X account, @Lakers, revealing a special collaboration between the One Piece cast and Lakers superstars LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Japan’s own Rui Hachimura. The event, dubbed “One Piece Night,” will coincide with a high-stakes game against the Lakers' rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, with both teams vying for bragging rights, the ultimate “One Piece” of the Los Angeles NBA scene. Although further details have yet to be disclosed, the Lakers promised more updates to come soon.

Anime’s Cultural Takeover: One Piece and the Lakers Join Forces

Anime has been steadily infiltrating and reshaping American pop culture, and this collaboration is yet another example of its growing influence. Japanese creators, like One Piece author Eiichiro Oda, have partnered with American industries spanning from fashion to sports, tapping into the immense popularity of anime to broaden their audience. One Piece has been particularly successful in transcending its status as an otaku favorite, captivating mainstream viewers beyond its original fan base.

A prime example of this widespread appeal is the successful collaboration between One Piece and Netflix for the live-action adaptation of the series. Despite the mixed reputation of live-action versions of anime, One Piece’s Netflix adaptation broke through in 2023, becoming a smash hit that appealed to longtime fans and newcomers alike. This series not only introduced Luffy and his friends to millions of new viewers but also solidified One Piece as a major force in American entertainment.

Showtime for One Piece: The Lakers Collaboration

In essence, One Piece has fully crossed over into American pop culture, and this Lakers collaboration signifies another huge milestone. Since the Macy's Parade appearance, Luffy and the Straw Hats have become more prominent across the U.S., even making a memorable appearance at the Las Vegas Sphere, cementing One Piece as a part of American entertainment.

This partnership with the Lakers marks a strategic move in One Piece’s ongoing global rise. The Lakers, with their worldwide recognition, star power, and ties to Hollywood, are cultural icons in their own right. Teaming up with them allows One Piece to tap into that fame, giving Luffy and his crew a chance to shine in the world of American sports and entertainment. With the Lakers' reputation for glitz and showmanship, this collaboration is set to elevate One Piece to unprecedented heights, making it an even more prominent player in the global pop culture landscape.