Meet the Unexpected Star of the Lakers

Jackson Tui, a six-year-old, isn’t on the Lakers’ official roster, hasn’t played any minutes, and doesn’t show up in the stats. Nonetheless, if you’ve been at Crypto.com Arena recently, you might feel he’s been the most significant presence there.

The moment this began? March 14, during a nail-biting 127-125 overtime win over the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers were struggling, caught in that all-too-familiar late-game slump. Then, suddenly, a child’s voice echoed from the video board. Tui’s enthusiasm was palpable—his arms moving, eyes bright, his heart practically visible.

What was he doing? It wasn’t just cheering. He was, in a sense, conjuring something more.

The atmosphere shifted. The energy surged.

Somehow, the Lakers rallied, pushed into overtime, and triumphed after Luka Doncic’s challenging fadeaway shot. LeBron James voiced what many felt that night:

“He’s the reason we won tonight.”

Critics might scoff at the idea of grown athletes needing a child to spur them on. But in sports, belief trumps logic—it’s about that raw, electric feeling, which is currently embodied by a kid rocking a Lakers jersey.

He’s affectionately dubbed “Larry Kid” now.

When Tui appeared again recently against the Brooklyn Nets, the scene unfolded once more. A heartfelt card made by Doncic. A tense fourth quarter. An unmistakable rise in excitement. And, sure enough, another win for the Lakers.

The team might not require an introduction, but they certainly seem to thrive with him around.