After completing a sweep of the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Dodgers dressed in their respective costumes for a chartered flight to San Francisco. It’s a tradition that historically has been reserved for rookies.
The Dodgers took matters a step further this year by requiring every member of their traveling party to participate. That included broadcasters and SportsNet LA reporter Alanna Rizzo. Themes ranged from movie characters to pop culture influences and NBA and NFL athletes.
Players partnered up or formed a trio, and that entailed Hyun-Jin Ryu dressing as one of the Super Bowl sharks. He knew the dancing routine and easily was among the favorites on social media.
So too were Cody Bellinger and Joe Kelly, who combined to channel LeBron James and his sensationalizing of Taco Tuesday. Bellinger donned a No. 23 Lakers jersey complete with the shorts and James’ signature shoes, and Kelly was the taco.
That caught the attention of the Lakers All-Star, who gave Bellinger and Kelly his stamp of approval even if they didn’t dress up on Tuesday.
As storied franchises in their respective sports and with rich histories in L.A., the two teams have often enjoyed plenty of crossover. The Dodgers host an annual Lakers Night at Dodger Stadium that is among their most popular home dates.
Kenley Jansen is a noted Lakers fan and can often be found at Staples Center during the Dodgers’ offseason.
Last year, James wore a Dodgers cap and wished the team well in the World Series despite having previously been seen at a New York Yankees game and at Progressive Field when the Cleveland Indians reached the Fall Classic.
James then wore a Jackie Robinson t-shirt while attending a Las Vegas Summer League game this year.