Will Smith, the Los Angeles Dodgers catcher, made headlines during the LA Kings' annual Dodgers Night at the Crypto.com Arena on January 5, 2025, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between the celebrated baseball franchise and its hockey counterpart.
The event, which celebrates the achievements of the Dodgers, saw Smith representing the World Series champions alongside his fellow teammate, Landon Knack. The Kings's night was marked not only by the presence of the coveted World Series trophy but also by giveaways for fans, including commemorative socks and Dodgers/Kings co-branded bobbleheads spotlighting Kings forward Trevor Moore, who proudly hails from Thousand Oaks.
This Dodgers Night at the Kings game follows the tradition initiated by the Dodgers, who have previously honored the Kings at their own events. Last year, Mookie Betts performed the ceremonial puck drop, paving the way for Smith’s participation this season. “Who needs these @LAKings x @Dodgers socks?! It’s Dodgers Night at the Kings game!” tweeted ESPN Los Angeles, showcasing the excitement radiated by fans.
The Kings won the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1, with Adrian Kempe scoring the winning goal late in the game. This victory marked the Kings' fourth straight win and 12th out of their previous 16 games, encapsulating the celebratory spirit of the evening.
During the game’s first intermission, Smith took center stage on the Fan Duel Sports Network, discussing the Kings and Dodgers along with the team's recent offseason activities. He expressed enthusiasm about the Dodgers adding notable players, including former Cy Young winner Blake Snell and Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim. Smith noted, "A lot of guys coming back, obviously signed some new guys, which we're excited about. I’m sure we’re trying to sign a few more. I know the front office plan is to make our team stronger every year, and, you know, that's what they work to do."
Highlighting his personal admiration, Smith spoke highly of Shohei Ohtani, specific to his incredible performance as both pitcher and hitter: "We got to see what he (Ohtani) did this year. I got a front row seat to it, 50-50, and just incredible." He emphasized the unique skill set the Angel's phenom brings to the field, commenting on Ohtani's Cy Young caliber talents. "It's incredible what he can do. We're lucky to have him,” he added.
Notably, the Dodgers have been proactive during the offseason, retaining valuable players like Teoscar Hernandez and Blake Treinen, illustrating their ambition to build on their prior success. With expectations high, Smith mentioned the possible pursuit of more fresh talent as the franchise aims to bolster its roster. This strategic direction reflects the overall enthusiasm of the franchise as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Aside from the on-ice action, the atmosphere throughout the evening was invigorated by large crowds and vibrant participation from fans, creating a sense of community and celebration among supporters of both teams. Timed to coincide with the Kings’ efforts to continue their success on the ice, this crossover event reaffirms the natural partnership between these two Los Angeles powerhouses.
The Kings have previously engaged fans with similar events, showing off the Stanley Cup after their championships, reinforcing the sense of shared accomplishment and community. This Dodgers Night marked another chapter of collaboration, presenting opportunities for fans to experience the unifying excitement of both baseball and hockey.
With the thrill of victories behind them and new seasons on the horizon, Will Smith’s participation at Dodgers Night not only highlighted the camaraderie between the Dodgers and Kings but also set the tone for what is to come as they all look to build on their past successes.