UCLA Women’s Hoops Team Steals the Show at LA Game

A mere two days after their historic NCAA title victory, the UCLA women’s basketball team delivered another dazzling performance—this time, off the court.

As the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder dismantled the Lakers 123–87, the Bruins made their grand entrance. Flooring the floor of Crypto.com Arena during the first quarter break, the newly crowned champions lifted their gleaming trophy, earning the night’s biggest ovation. The crowd erupted, the lights gleamed, and for a moment, the arena belonged to them.

Under the watchful eye of head coach Cori Close, stars like Lauren Betts, Sienna Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Kiki Rice basked in the adoration. Even A-list celebrities like Kate Hudson, courtside for the game, couldn’t resist a nod of respect. Meanwhile, the Lakers—depleted of key players—offered little resistance, turning what should have been a competitive NBA matchup into a one-sided spectacle.

Back at the bench, tensions flared. Guard Jarred Vanderbilt and coach J.J. Redick exchanged heated words during a timeout, the only blemish on an otherwise lopsided contest. The loss plunged the Lakers into a four-way tie for fourth in the West, a humbling reality for a franchise accustomed to dominance.

For UCLA, the night was all about celebration. Two days after etching their names in NCAA history, they once again stole the spotlight—this time, in the heart of NBA territory.