Overview
- Betts posted an 8-second selfie video from the Lakers–Thunder game at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, reacting tearfully after LeBron James met her eyes, and the clip spread quickly online.
- The UCLA center was at the game to be recognized for the Bruins’ NCAA championship, where she earned the NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
- James did not play due to left foot injury management, and the short-handed Lakers fell 123–87 to Oklahoma City.
- During UCLA’s title season, Betts averaged 17.1 points and 2.1 blocks per game and sealed a win over Texas with a rejection that broadcaster Ryan Ruocco called a “block for the ages.”
- The courtside moment capped a whirlwind week of campus celebrations and national TV appearances for UCLA, signaling a new level of attention for Betts beyond college hoops.