UCLA women's basketball's historic first NCAA title is now lighting up Los Angeles beyond Pauley Pavilion. The Los Angeles Lakers honored the newly crowned national champions during halftime of their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, giving the Bruins a full-city spotlight.
UCLA's historic national championship campaign
UCLA's women's basketball team earned their first NCAA national championship in 2025-26, defeating South Carolina 79-51 in the Phoenix Final. After years of flirting with greatness, this victory catapulted the program to title-winning prominence.
Image Source and Credit: Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Image Source and Credit: Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Lakers host the Bruins at halftime
On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers introduced the same Bruins to a new type of platform. During their home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers took a moment to honor UCLA women's basketball as national champions on center court. The team, coaches, and staff came onto the arena floor as the audience and players on both benches saluted them, with veterans such as LeBron James clearly demonstrating support. Fans in the building and on social media were reminded that college basketball and the NBA have a rich history in Los Angeles.
Why this honor matters to the city
Los Angeles is a basketball city, and the Lakers' decision to utilize their home game to promote UCLA's women's team speaks volumes about the growth of women's college basketball. By honoring the Bruins at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers contribute to the concept that women's titles are just as important as men's.