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Kim Kardashian, Bad Bunny and A-Listers Take Lakers Arena by Storm For Play-In Preview vs Warriors

Published 03/17/2024, 12:06 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The playoffs begin only a month later, however, the Crypto.com arena saw a thrilling encounter as the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Golden State Warriors, both looking to keep their post-season dreams alive. The two teams rest beside each other in the Western Conference, taking up the bottom 9th and 10th spot. With that, they entered the game with odds stacked against themselves and botched momentums from a struggling season.

Regardless, the game saw an array of global celebrities scattered around the front-row seats of the arena. Even before the first whistle of the game, the spirits of the matchup were lifted as Kim Kardashian, Tyla, Novak Djokovic, and Eladio Carrion were spotted in anticipation of what was to unfold.

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Moreover, Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican rapper, was also seen in the arena. Interestingly, the rapper, just a day before, performed his second of the three concerts slated within the venue.

 

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Additionally, as the Stephen Curry and Warriors Co. emerged victorious, he was seen in a warming exchange with Novak Djokovic. As Steph handed his game-worn jersey, the tennis sensation handed the sniper an autographed racket.

Steph and LeBron James erupted to hand a thrilling game to the A-listers in the vicinity. However, a pivotal juncture presented itself in the final minutes, inducing cinematic tension in the arena.

James was reviewed for stepping on the corner-bounds line for his ISO three over Steph. The review extended to 16 minutes, messing up the Lakers’ momentum in their comeback and putting them 3 points behind in the crucial minutes. Regardless, after dazzling the fans with his hilarious commentary during his hiatus, James ended the game by making history.

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LeBron James becomes the third oldest player to post 40 

The two teams started the game strong, as the Lakers mounted a solid 1st quarter lead. However, they lost Anthony Davis while doing so, due to a nose injury ending his night with just 8 points. This forced James to step into the limelight.

As a result, James posted 40 points in the tension-filled game. Making 15 of his 23 shots, he shot 65% from the field; all while playing 38 minutes and nearing a triple-double (8 rebounds & 9 assists).

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“I’m Too Old For This Sh*t”: LeBron James Laughs As Malfunctions Have Fans Seething At Warriors vs Lakers

This makes James the third oldest player to notch a 40-point game, trailing behind Michael Jordan and Karl Malone. MJ has 3 such instances to his name, with the record being his 43 points at the age of 40 years and 4 days. Malone garnered the second spot in the same year as MJ (2002-03), scoring 40 while being 39 years and 231 days old.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who discovered his basketball passion through the dynamic between Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Years later, Kobe Bryant reignited his love, transforming him into an extensive contributor who savors the matches, covers games live, analyzes post-game pressers, and reports on injuries. With his stories, he aims at making readers feel the intense drama unfolding on the court every day.
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Edited by:

Abhishek Manikandan