Every fan dreams of being the one to make a half-court shot at a NBA game. But that dream quickly turned into nightmare for one Lakers fan, who appeared to injure his lower leg on an ill-fated attempt at glory during Sunday night’s matchup between the Lakers and Rockets.
The fan was shooting as part of a promotion that could send him home with $55,000. It wasn’t a bad attempt, missing just to the left of the rim. But as he attempted to stop his momentum from the run-up, he fell to the ground and immediately grabbed at his lower leg. He then struggled to get up, missing out on the rest of the contest, which also involved a three-point shot.
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Check out this poor guy:
No way this Lakers fan injured himself on the halfcourt shot 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/hhWz6Wxy8y
— KingCharge (@KingCharge) November 20, 2023
Initially, some people thought the fan was faking an injury to excuse missing the shot, but clearly, he was in some pain. So instead of going home as a viral hero and $55,000 richer, he instead became the butt of plenty of jokes online.
In real time I legitimately thought he was faking it as a joke for missing the shot and then thought wow he’s really selling this and then finally realized, “oh no this dude might’ve torn something” https://t.co/MlvO9sFozD
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) November 20, 2023
The fan was too hurt to attempt the 3-point shot to win the consolation prize after missing out on the $55,000 jackpot.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 20, 2023
Lakers early-season injuries really piling up.
In all seriousness, we wish the fan a speedy recovery. https://t.co/liyVRo4ln2
I've never seen this happen in 12 years of working NBA games lol https://t.co/QY2H6V8cYF
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) November 20, 2023
This dude really hurt his achilleanklebacknee https://t.co/8uQmI6h4nE
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) November 20, 2023
Bro could’ve hit that shot and the money would’ve been spent on the hospital bill anyways https://t.co/qH6todO47K
— ᴄʜᴀʀʟɪᴇ⚡️twt user (@LeNotGM) November 20, 2023
Lakers so old even their fans get injured during games... https://t.co/Y1UUhpeIq6
— Raptors Truth (@RaptorsSlander) November 20, 2023
Most relatable video of trying any activity over the age of 40. https://t.co/ZRPGfrZ3B7
— Adam V Trent (@AdamTrent17) November 20, 2023
Ouch.
In all seriousness, all the best to the injured fan. Hopefully his injury is nothing serious and his 15 seconds of fame can be laughed about for a long time.
