The biggest star in Los Angeles wasn’t LeBron James! Believe it or not, it was Shohei Ohtani, the other LA superstar. Fresh off his World Series win with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani made a massive statement in his first postseason appearance, finishing it all with a championship ring. The MVP was spotted courtside at the Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers game, and the best part? He wasn’t flying solo! Ohtani was accompanied by his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, in what was a rare public appearance for the couple this off-season.

After a grueling World Series run, Ohtani has kept a low profile, enjoying some well-earned downtime. The last time the two were seen together was when Ohtani received his MVP award, with his wife and their dog, Decoy (or Decopin), by his side. Now, after some time away from the spotlight, the couple’s return has sent waves through both the baseball and basketball worlds, thrilling fans who adore the iconic duo.

Ohtani family day out minus ‘Decoy’

Shohei Ohtani and Mamiko Tanaka are a notably private couple, and their rare public appearances only add to the mystique surrounding them. After their marriage, which took fans by surprise due to the couple’s secrecy, they’ve been spotted together only a handful of times. When stars as colossal as Ohtani tie the knot, the news usually travels fast, but in their case, it remained under the radar.

This particular outing in downtown LA turned heads for more than one reason. Not only was it rare to see the dynamic duo together, but it was also Mamiko Tanaka’s basketball legacy that caught the attention. While Ohtani’s superstar status speaks for itself, Mamiko’s athletic background adds a whole new layer to their already fascinating story. Her legacy in basketball, often overlooked, made this appearance even more captivating, proving that there’s much more to the couple than meets the eye.

Tanaka’s impressive basketball career with the Fujitsu Red Wave in Japan’s Women’s Basketball League speaks volumes about her own athletic prowess. From 2019 to 2023, she averaged 7.8 points and 6.0 rebounds in her final season, making her a respected figure in the sport. So when Shohei Ohtani brought her out to an NBA game, it wasn’t just a show of support for his wife’s sport—it was a celebration of both her legacy and the vibrant LA culture they now embrace together.

Although they missed a chance to meet LeBron James—who was sitting out of the game— the couple still got plenty of attention, including being gifted Lakers jerseys. But the real buzz came from fans who couldn’t help but laugh at the amusing moment when Ohtani was seen chatting with his wife during the game. It is hilarious, and even pinching!

Fans bring on the banter with Shohei Ohtani’s outing

Shohei Ohtani’s recent appearance with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, at an NBA game sparked a flurry of hilarious fan reactions. One user jokingly remarked, “He is explaining to her that Christmas might be a little light this year, gift-wise, due to Ippei…” referencing the infamous incident involving Ohtani’s former interpreter, who stole $17 million from him and pleaded guilty to tax and bank fraud. It’s clear that fans haven’t forgotten the drama surrounding the former interpreter, and they’re having a bit of fun with it.

Another user, likely a Yankees fan, took a dig at Ohtani’s recent rival, Juan Soto, saying, “You know, I could’ve signed with the Mets for the same money, but then I wouldn’t be a World Series champion.” It seems that Soto’s move to the Mets and the Yankees’ failure to land him is still a sore spot for some fans.

Meanwhile, Soto’s brother posted a fun Instagram video showing the baseball star relaxing in a hot tub with beer poured over him. Perhaps Soto’s enjoying the good life a bit more than taking business calls!

And then there was this humorous suggestion, “He should buy the team. He’s got the money, and the Buss children are…” a nod to Ohtani’s massive $700 million deal with the LA Dodgers, most of which is deferred. With that kind of money, it seems Ohtani has more than enough to consider a change in ownership!

Finally, one user quipped, “He’s explaining the rule of basketball to his wife,” imagining Ohtani helping Tanaka brush up on the sport she once played professionally. Shohei Ohtani may be an LA superstar, but it’s clear that his fun moments with Tanaka at the Lakers game have given fans a new reason to celebrate the pair. What do you think? Feel free to let us know!