Before the 97th Academy Awards, another event stole the spotlight at Crypto.com Arena: an exciting NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game wasn’t just a sports showdown—it was also a pre-Oscars gathering, with plenty of Hollywood stars spotted courtside.
Among the most notable celebrities in attendance were Timothée Chalamet and Ben Affleck. Chalamet, known for his roles in Dune and his upcoming portrayal of Bob Dylan, seemed fully immersed in the game.

He was seen smiling and enjoying the atmosphere, even pulling off a quick wardrobe change mid-game—proving that even the biggest stars need to stay stylish. Affleck, a well-known sports fan, was right by his side, watching the Lakers closely with actress Joey King and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos.
Other stars on hand included actors Adam DeVine, Anders Holm, and Blake Anderson, famous for their roles in Workaholics. British actor Nicholas Holt was also courtside, along with musician Benson Boone, who was proudly sporting a LeBron James jersey. Boone’s look made it clear he was ready to jump into the action if given the chance.
Rapper O.T. Genasis and actress Mindy Kaling were seen enjoying the game as well, adding to the diverse mix of talent in the crowd. Music producer Jimmy Iovine was also present, adding his own touch of star power. Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, was there too, highlighting the deep connection between the team and the world of Hollywood.
The Lakers won the game 111-102, with LeBron James delivering a standout performance, scoring 33 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and dishing out six assists. This exciting game was the perfect way to kick off the Oscars festivities later that night, blending the worlds of sports and entertainment for a truly memorable pre-Oscar celebration.