James Corden, host of The Late Late Show, and a number of other celebrities joined in with the Laker Girls cheerleaders at the Staples Center Arena in LA last night (Tuesday). To much acclaim, they performed a routine to the song Stay by Zedd and Alessia Cara.
Corden was joined by other massive stars such as tennis legend Venus Williams and former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Comedian Ian Karmel also showed off his moves in the arena.
The stars slipped into Lakers outfits and managed to match the choreography and dancing skills of the actual cheerleaders. All eyes were on the celebrities as they did body rolls, twists and turns in a very impressive routine.
Venus WIlliams, James Corden and Gronk all performed during halftime at Staples ?? pic.twitter.com/oX0BEJ1aVm
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 20, 2019
The game, which was a victory for the Los Angeles Lakers over Oklahoma City Thunder, saw unsuspecting fans treated to the celebrity performance during the half-time show. The footage quickly went viral.
Fans on Twitter expressed both surprise and delight at the footage.
I dont know why @RobGronkowski and @JKCorden are dancing with the Lakers dance team but this video is everything! #GronksGotMoves #CordenGotGame https://t.co/bd1kGC4HQb
— AnnMarie (@ExTVNewzgirl) November 20, 2019
Many stated they didn’t know what the stunt was promoting.
Guys, @RobGronkowski’s big announcement is that he’s actually joining the @Lakers cheer team. And so is @JKCorden.
Also, I’m not entirely sure what I just watched ??? https://t.co/eS8AIy6GIM
— Alexandra Leslie (@AlexandraLeslie) November 20, 2019
Ian Karmel later explained the reason for the stunt through a post on Twitter. In a light-hearted video, the well-known Portland Trail Blazers fan first apologized for wearing the Lakers colors and proclaimed his hatred for the team.
He then informed viewers that the stunt was to promote an upcoming TV show on CBS called Game On that would be featuring himself, Williams, Gronkowski, and Bobby Lee.
It has been alleged that the show is based on Corden’s UK based sports-themed panel show A League of Their Own, which would explain James’ role in the performance.
— Ian Karmel (@IanKarmel) November 20, 2019
The show is said to consist of Williams and Gronkowski each captaining a team with the aim of answering sports-based questions.