Cortis Makes Historic NBA Appearance
Cortis, the latest sensation from BIGHIT Music and the first K-pop group scheduled to perform at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game halftime show, experienced their first Lakers game on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Before the game, Martin, James, Juhoon, Sung-hyun, and Kiono had the chance to explore the Lakers’ UCLA Health Training Center, walking the same halls that basketball legends like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have. They received custom purple and gold Lakers jerseys, which they wore proudly at courtside. This moment was captured on the video board during the third quarter.
“You can really feel the energy,” James said, immersed in the atmosphere. “It’s alive, and I find it pretty captivating. For us as fans, it’s incredibly inspirational. I think we’ll carry some of that energy home with us. The memories from tonight will definitely linger.”
Kiono, reminiscing about watching games from afar, found the experience surreal. “I’ve spent so much time watching games on TV… and being here in Los Angeles as ‘friends of the NBA’ is just fantastic,” he shared.
The NBA has made significant strides in bridging gaps between cultures, partnering with artists like Suga, and expanding the “Friends of the NBA” program. Yet, Cortis stands out as they appeal to a generation that forges its own path. Their debut album, “Color Outside the Line,” made a splash, debuting at number 15 on the Billboard 200. Their single “GO!” was featured on the official soundtrack for NBA 2K26, and their fanbase has surged to over 19 million in just a few months.
Earlier on Thursday, they also headlined an NBA-themed event not far from the Lakers’ arena at the Los Angeles Convention Center. They etched their place in history the following night at the Raffles Celebrity Games halftime show, becoming the first K-pop act to grace this stage typically reserved for American pop stars.
For Martin, witnessing the Lakers’ legacy meant more than just entertainment. “Seeing how the Lakers have maintained their amazing legacy with new talent and overcoming challenges is truly inspiring,” he noted. “It really prompts us to think about how we can develop and possibly carry on that kind of tradition in the future.”
Just a few months post their debut in August 2025, Cortis remains a relatively new group, yet they aspire to achieve the same greatness as the iconic Lakers.
When Cortis was spotlighted on the video board, the fans responded enthusiastically—standing and cheering, it was more than just another celebrity sighting. It felt like a cultural moment, showcasing how basketball is expanding into a more vibrant pop arena. As the Lakers triumphed over the Mavericks with a score of 124-104, those five Korean newcomers stood, applauding and soaking in the dynamics of building their own legacy.
