In an intriguing crossover between the NHL and NBA, Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets paid homage to basketball superstar LeBron James by donning his yellow number 23 Los Angeles Lakers jersey before a recent game. This gesture comes shortly after James made ripples in the hockey world, sporting a customized Blue Jackets jersey on the Lakers bench.
Before the Blue Jackets fell 1-0 in overtime to the Florida Panthers on March 20, 2025, Fantilli, 20, was spotted arriving at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, looking sharp in his attire which included a shirt and tie paired with the celebrated Lakers jersey. James, originally from Akron, Ohio, has a history of strong support for Ohio-based sports, making the connection even more meaningful.
On Wednesday, March 19, James turned heads by wearing the Blue Jackets' outdoor jersey during the Lakers' game. The jersey had a giant cannon logo prominently featured on the front, generating a wave of excitement among fans and media alike, notably when shared across social media platforms by ESPN. This unique cross-promotion reflected not only a camaraderie between sports leagues but also raised interest in the Blue Jackets’ gear, likely boosting sales.
Adam Fantilli has proven to be a trendsetter in his own right—he first drew attention during the 2022 NHL Draft held in Nashville when he wore a custom suit adorned with the names of individuals significant to his life and hockey development. Fantilli’s admiration for James further showcased his fashion-forward mentality, alongside his burgeoning career, after being selected third overall by the Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets had previously garnered significant attention earlier in March when they faced the Detroit Red Wings in the 2025 NHL Stadium Series outdoor matchup at Ohio Stadium. The game brought in an impressive attendance of 94,751, marking it as the second-largest crowd for an NHL outdoor game. Understandably, this visibility, along with James’s celebrity influence, is likely to increase interest in the Jackets and their merchandise.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have been preparing to face the Chicago Bulls on March 22, 2025, in a matchup that carries more weight than just a game. While James has been nursing a groin strain, his potential return has fans buzzing with anticipation. For the first time since his injury, he has been upgraded to questionable for the upcoming game, stirring excitement among Lakers supporters.
James, 40, has been a central figure in the Lakers' success this season, boasting averages of 25.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. His partnership with fellow superstar Luka Doncic has elevated the Lakers' standing, making them strong contenders for the championship. However, with both players facing significant injuries—having missed a combined 14 games—maintaining their health is paramount as the season progresses. Fans have taken to social media expressing their eagerness for James’s return with supportive messages such as, “LET'S GO,” and “LEBRON IS BACKKKK.”
The upcoming game against the Bulls presents an opportunity for James to reintegrate into the lineup, meaning that if he can take the court, the Lakers would undoubtedly have an edge against a Bulls team that has shown surprising resilience this season. However, for Chicago, facing a Lebron-boosted Lakers could spell trouble as they look to secure a win.
Both Fantilli and James embody a profound connection to Ohio sports, with James’s recent display of support for the Blue Jackets highlighting the cross-pollination of the two major sports. The shared respect between these athletes bridges regions and sports, raising both their profiles and enthusiasm among fans.
With Fantilli’s tribute to James and the anticipation of the Lakers' game tomorrow, it’s clear that the influence of one athlete can span across leagues, stirring excitement and pride in local sports culture. As the NBA playoffs loom and the NHL season reaches its climax, fans are left eagerly watching how these players will shape their respective teams’ fortunes as each battle for prominence continues.
