The basketball was elite. The building was electric. But before a single jumper fell inside the $2 billion palace known as Intuit Dome, the loudest roar of the day belonged to two people who weren’t in uniform.
When Barack Obama and Michelle Obama appeared on the video board before tipoff of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, the crowd cheered and applauded. Not polite applause. Not celebrity courtesy claps. A full-throated ovation that reminded everyone this league has always been bigger than basketball.
The Obamas, seated next to Hall of Famer Julius Erving, felt like the center of a night built on spectacle. During an NBC interview with Reggie Miller, the former president addressed the elephant that has hovered over All-Star Weekend in recent years — effort. “Anytime you get Americans vs. International, they want to bring it,” he said. And for once, he was right. The pride between all three teams was palpable.
Michelle and Barack Obama watching the 75th NBA All-Star Game. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat a few rows away, British royalty meeting hardwood royalty.
The NBA legends were everywhere. Magic Johnson. Allen Iverson. Oscar Robertson. Pau Gasol. Dwyane Wade. Vince Carter. Tracy McGrady. Carmelo Anthony. The past and present colliding under one roof as current stars like Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Damian Lillard soaked in the moment.
Magic Johnson on the red carpet before the 75th NBA All Star Game. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Even the entertainment world felt courtside-ready: Jennifer Hudson, Ludacris, Glorilla, Tyla, Brandy, Busta Rhymes, Anthony Anderson, Shaboozey, Charlie Puth, Gayle King, Kelly Rowland, Keegan Michael Key, Teyana Taylor, John Tesh, 2 Chainz, Sterling K. Brown, Queen Latifah, Simu Liu, Spike Lee and Vin Diesel turned the sideline into a living mood board of American pop culture.
Teyana Taylor, Queen Latifah, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are seen attending the 75th NBA All-Star Game. Getty Images
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Rams head coach Sean McVay was there with his wife, as were other NFL stars like Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and former Chargers WR Keenan Allen.
That’s the thing about the NBA All-Star Game. It isn’t just a basketball exhibition. It’s a census of influence. Music, politics, fashion, film, sport — all orbiting around a leather ball and a hardwood stage in Inglewood.
California Post Senior Sports Reporter Edward Lewis contributed to this story.
