Barack Obama appeared as a virtual fan during Game 1 of theNBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat on Wednesday night.- Obama was seen sitting next to Shaquille O'Neal and an assortment of other Lakers and
NBA legends in the virtual crowd. - On Twitter, fans had plenty of jokes about Obama's surprise appearance.
Former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
Well, sort of.
Obama appeared as a virtual fan during the first quarter of Game 1 of the Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, shown on a screen of virtual fans alongside Lakers legend-turned-broadcaster Shaquille O'Neal.
It wasn't clear whether or not Obama was aware that he had the spotlight on him at the moment, as he appeared to be speaking directly to the camera.
—Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 1, 2020
As it turned out, Obama was addressing the rest of the virtual fans in the crowd at the time.
"I hear I'm sitting next to Shaq!" Obama began. "I am obviously not the main event tonight, but I wanted to come on to give a shout out to all of the folks who are volunteering as poll workers in the upcoming election."
"It can be a thankless job. It's not one of those things you think about, but it is absolutely vital, and I appreciate you. And hopefully all NBA fans will appreciate you when they see those shorter lines at the polling places," Obama said. "Democracy doesn't work if just a few people do it. That's like playing with half the team. But it's only that way if people aren't participating. If people get involved, then we get the best of us, and that's what I'm hoping is going to happen."
—Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 1, 2020
On Twitter, fans and former players alike seemed to enjoy Obama dropping in on the game.
—Pau Gasol (@paugasol) October 1, 2020
—James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) October 1, 2020
— (@Three_Cone) October 1, 2020
—MARK (0-2-1)this team is so bad (@MARKMVPSZN) October 1, 2020
After the game, LeBron James shouted out Obama for making his appearance.
—LeBron James (@KingJames) October 1, 2020
Obama has shown his love of basketball throughout the years of his presidency and post-presidency. He was notably present at the Duke-North Carolina game during which then-freshman superstar Zion Williamson turned his ankle.
While he couldn't make it to the game in person on Wednesday night, sitting in as a virtual fan is the next best thing.