If securing a spot in theMacy’s Thanksgiving Day Paradewasn’t enough,Monkey D. Luffyand hisOne Piececompanions 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 July 17, 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 ofOne 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 giantNetflix to produce a live-action series. While live-action adaptations of manga and anime have a mixed track record of success, theOne Pieceproduction 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
In short,One Pieceachieved 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 theLas Vegas Sphere, further solidifyingOne 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 infuseOne Piecewith the Lakers' signature “showbiz” flair, elevatingLuffy, his crew, andOne Pieceto new heights.
Source:@Lakers
One Piece
Created by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is a multimedia franchise that began as a manga series and follows the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as led by Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy, an enthusiastic pirate with a thirst for adventure, is afflicted by a mysterious curse that gives him various powers he uses to protect himself and his friends. The manga eventually gave way to the anime series, with the two being some of history’s longest-running anime and manga series. Along with over fifty video games made over the years, the series entered the live-action world with Netflix’s 2023 adaptation.
