NASCAR and the NBA have joined hands several times and declared their friendship in the spotlight. Most prominently, former NBA legends have moved over into NASCAR. Cleveland Cavaliers alumnus Brad Daugherty came in 2008, and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan came in 2020, both as team owners. Even though Jordan is currently questioning the antics of NASCAR as an organization, it doesn’t mean there is a lack of inspirational moves in the sport!
The NBA recently conducted a jaw-dropping Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks game. While eyes were mostly glued to Luka Dončić and LeBron James’ smooth moves, some racing fans spotted something out of place. They rubbed their eyes to believe it – it was a silent ode to NASCAR, and a good one!
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Nowadays, digital racing is a huge part of motorsports, with many drivers growing up on virtual assists. For instance, Cup Series star William Byron worked his way into NASCAR from simulator racing. The same applies to Rajah Caruth, Craftsman Truck Series racer. Both these racers are accustomed to maneuvering pixelated cars on the digital screen, but definitely not to see those cars being used for an NBA analogy. In the recently concluded NBA game, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Dallas Mavericks in an emotional game. Luka Dončić finished with a robust stat line of 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals in 38 minutes. LeBron James was closer for Los Angeles, scoring 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter. But things started to get interesting.
While both NBA players conjured their magic, a NASCAR fan had eyes sharp enough to notice a curious detail. As the action-packed game was proceeding, the screens showcased a lot of cars colliding, with the respective teams’ names written on them. They were pursuing a shiny golden ball, jostling to retain control of it. The racing fan was quick to appreciate the NASCAR reference, as they wrote on Reddit: “Looked up and saw this graphic during the Lakers vs Mavs game. Kinda funny.”
via Imago Oct 27, 2024; Homestead, Florida, USA; 23XI team owner Michael Jordan watches during the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
This silent tribute to NASCAR speaks volumes of the times the two leagues have joined hands. In 2023, Alex Bowman’s Hendrick Motorsports Ally-sponsored No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro had a unique look. For the Michigan Cup Series race, Bowman carried a Detroit Pistons’ Pistons-themed insignia. Then, six-time champion Michael Jordan has frequently blended both worlds. Airspeed, 23XI Racing’s headquarters, debuted in 2024. But Jordan’s old NBA team, the Chicago Bulls, had a huge hand in developing it. According to team president Steve Lauletta, they were “able to rely on the Hornets as an older sibling when it came to things like HR, finance, setting up IT systems and infrastructure.”
These delightful crossovers have enthralled fans. However, the NBA’s latest attempt to hail its racing counterpart left people a little confused.
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Fans demand answers, details, and conspiracy theories
Well, the first thing that struck diehard fans was the car’s design. When the NBA game compared the basketball players with NASCAR cars, they also added wings at the back. According to a fan, that looked like the Xfinity Series’ discontinued set of cars. They had a lower greenhouse and a traditional rear spoiler. “Looks a bit like the 2011-2012 Nationwide Series Chevrolet Impala,” they wrote. But there was another striking resemblance. The NASCAR “Car of Tomorrow” (COT), also known as the Gen 5 car, was introduced in 2007. It emphasized driver safety and cost-cutting, with all contending manufacturers using the same template. But the distinctive physical feature was the wing adjustable for down force. One fan agreed with the former comment on Xfinity but also pointed out the similarity with COT. “Sorta, just has the Cup COT wing.”
Somebody else was confused about why the NBA is digging up old references to NASCAR. ESPN, the partner that announced an 11-year rights extension last year, was behind this media gimmick. The fan wrote, “ESPN recycling old NASCAR content.” There are several video games themed on NASCAR. These include NASCAR 21 Ignition, NASCAR Heat 5, and so many more. The first video game was released in 1984. The NBA’s representation looked like a bad version of some of those games to one fan. “Looks like a bunch of cars from a crappy “NASCAR” game on a mobile device.”
Somebody else was a little more receptive. Several NBA legends have been to NASCAR races – like Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, who served as grand marshal at Auto Club in 2005. Then, Shaquille O’Neal gave a rousing command prior to the 2013 Daytona summer race. After all, the NBA was using a creative method to visualize its players in a different way. So one fan wrote enthusiastically: “honestly, pretty kickass way for them to visualize the nba playoff scenario; assuming that’s what this is. nice little nod there.”
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Evidently, the NBA’s subtle nod to NASCAR was a head-scratcher for fans. Nevertheless, the crossovers of the two sports leagues are sensational and will continue to be in the future.