The Michigan State Spartans and UCLA Bruins men’s basketball teams faced off in a matchup on Tuesday, Feb. 4. It was a hard-fought game, with the Bruins narrowly pulling off a 63-61 upset over the No. 9-ranked Spartans.
It was a group effort, as only two Bruins scored more than 10 points. UCLA put on a good show for some famous faces in the crowd. Notably, a few NBA legends, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, appeared on the sidelines.
Fans React to Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Appearing at the MSU vs. UCLA Basketball Game
Seeing two NBA legends appear at a college basketball game is great for the sport. It gets more eyes on it and helps it grow. However, when a photo of Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar at the game appeared on X, many fans had an interesting reaction. Several pointed out that they chose to take in this game over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have been in the news for their blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks, in which they acquired superstar Luka Doncic. However, Doncic did not appear in the game because he iwass dealing with an injury. Fans reacted to this on X.
“A couple of legends who knew Luka wasn’t gonna play, so they came to Pauley instead. The Intuit Dome visit can wait,” one fan wrote.
A couple of legends who knew Luka wasn't gonna play, so they came to Pauley instead. The Intuit Dome visit can wait.
— Toby Faber (@tobytastykake) February 5, 2025
“The better game in LA was at Pauley!” one fan commented.
“Chose to come to Pauley over the Laker game,” another added.
Chose to come to Pauley over the Laker game
— Marcus Romero (@Marcus1849) February 5, 2025
Fans continued to discuss the game and celebrities choosing to watch the game between MSU and UCLA rather than the Lakers vs. Clippers.
“Sounds like some big names were at Pauley Pavilion tonight! Were you watching a UCLA basketball game, or was it another special event?” one fan wrote.
Sounds like some big names were at Pauley Pavilion tonight! Were you watching a UCLA basketball game, or was it another special event?
— DILEEP KUMAR 🇮🇳 (@aapkadilipgupta) February 5, 2025
“Pauley has hosted NBA legends, former Bruins stars, and celebrities over the years who did you spot?,” one fan commented.
“One of the greatest duos of all time,” one fan added.
one of the greatest duos of all time
— Courtside Commentary (@Courtsidecom) February 5, 2025
While celebrities are certainly happy to take in the action between MSU and UCLA, they will also be excited to see Doncic in action in a Lakers uniform. The franchise’s newly acquired star has been out of action for two weeks and is expected to return in mid-February, shortly before the all-star break.
KEEP READING: 5 Players the Mavericks Could Target in the 2025 NBA Draft After Trading Luka Doncic
He averaged 28.1 points this season in 22 appearances with the Mavericks. It will be interesting to see how he performs playing alongside LeBron James in LA.
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