Lakers Star Lands TV Role

With the global coverage of the NBA today, many NBA stars have achieved celebrity status, leading to roles in other industries like TV and music. Numerous examples can be found in recent times, such as LeBron James starring in "Space Jam: A New Legacy" or Kawhi Leonard appearing in Drake's music video for "Way 2 Sexy."

One current Lakers star has recently landed such a role and will be making an appearance in an episode of hit animated series "Crayon Shin-Chan."

Rui Hachimura in Crayon Shin-Chan

Rui Hachimura will appear in an episode of the popular anime series «Crayon Shin-Chan» this month. 🔥

(via @crayon_official) pic.twitter.com/GRFBaNnFvL— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 29, 2023

Hachimura has recently signed a contract extension with the Lakers, committing to remain in Los Angeles for at least another three years. Taking advantage of the massive media market he now calls home, he is set to make his first appearance on the animated series, which first debuted in 1990. Rui is scheduled to make a one-time appearance as a guest star alongside the K-Pop group Tomorrow X Together.

Crayon Shin-chan is ramping up the celebrity appearances, with its latest episodes featuring NBA star Rui Hachimura and K-Pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER. https://t.co/0k8IyKfBOU— Anime News Network (@Anime) October 28, 2023

Rui is allegedly a massive fan of "Anime," and his foray into the industry may mark the first of many appearances. It could even inspire other notable NBA stars to make similar appearances. The episode featuring Hachimura is scheduled to air on November 4th.

#八村塁 選手 🏀⛹️とクレヨンしんちゃんが夢の共演✨
11月4日（土）⏰夕方4：30放送「クレヨンしんちゃん」📺✨

バスケットボールの八村塁選手🏀がクレヨンしんちゃんに初登場❗️
放送をお楽しみに🏀⛹️💨#クレヨンしんちゃん #しんのすけ海外出張 #クレしん pic.twitter.com/2Mn9X2MTha— クレヨンしんちゃん【公式】 (@crayon_official) October 28, 2023

Other Notable Annimated NBA Appearnaces

Hachimura is not the first player to become animated, with recent years seeing NBA stars, both past and present, making their debuts on hit series worldwide. The most notable appearances include:

Steph Curry in Family Guy


Kobe Bryant in The Simpsons


Charles Barkley in We Bare Bears


Credits
Si.Com