
Will Ferrell, the well-known actor and comedian, is an avid basketball fan. During a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Phoenix Suns in February 2013, Ferrell surprised everyone by showing up as a security guard, wearing a distinctive red jacket. Ferrell's antics included approaching and pretending to eject Shaquille O'Neal, a former Laker, from his courtside seat. Ferrell's comedic stunt entertained the crowd, and the Lakers ultimately won the game against the Suns. This was not the first time Ferrell had engaged in such antics, as he is known for his love of basketball and his eccentric outfits, often stealing the spotlight at various sporting events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Event | Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns |
| Date | Tuesday, February 13, 2013 or February 12, 2025 |
| Location | Staples Center |
| Role | Security Guard |
| Ejected | Shaquille O'Neal |
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What You'll Learn

Will Ferrell's red jacket
Will Ferrell, the well-known actor and comedian, has had several memorable moments related to basketball and unique fashion choices. One of the most notable instances occurred during a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Phoenix Suns in February 2013. On that occasion, Ferrell decided to dress up as a Staples Center security guard, donning a distinctive red jacket or coat and even pretending to eject former Laker Shaquille O'Neal from the game. This impromptu performance entertained the crowd and created a fun and unusual scene during the basketball game.
Ferrell's red jacket moment was not an isolated incident of his playful interactions with basketball. On another occasion, he did pregame introductions for a Hornets game, and he has also been known to dress up in unique outfits while attending basketball games. His light-hearted approach to fashion and willingness to embrace different characters have become part of his charm.
Ferrell's fashion choices often go beyond the conventional, as evidenced by his furry bucket hat and eccentric outfits at various sporting events. His sartorial selections reflect his playful personality and willingness to embrace different roles, whether it's pretending to be a security guard or channelling his inner "downtown it girl."
The red jacket moment during the Lakers game is a testament to Ferrell's playful spirit and his ability to bring laughter and surprise to any situation. By embracing his comedic instincts and incorporating them into his public appearances, Ferrell has created memorable moments that have entertained fans beyond his comedic roles on screen.
In conclusion, Will Ferrell's red jacket moment during a basketball game was more than just a fashion choice; it represented his playful approach to life, his willingness to embrace spontaneity, and his ability to bring laughter and entertainment to the world of sports and beyond.
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Will Ferrell as a security guard
Will Ferrell, the well-known actor and comedian, has a penchant for basketball and often attends Los Angeles Lakers games. On one such occasion, during a Lakers game against the Phoenix Suns, Ferrell decided to don a red jacket and pretend to be a security guard. This impromptu performance not only entertained the crowd but also became a memorable moment in sports and entertainment.
Ferrell, standing at 6'3", is an imposing figure in his own right, and on that Tuesday night, he took on the role of a security guard with gusto. He approached the former Laker and NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq, who was seated courtside. With a stoic expression, Ferrell pretended to eject O'Neal from the game, and the latter played along, pretending to be handcuffed and meekly walking off the court.
This unexpected interaction between the comedian and the basketball legend created a buzz among those in attendance and later became a viral moment online. It showcased Ferrell's playful spirit and his willingness to embrace spontaneous moments, even in public settings. The red jacket he wore only added to the visual impact of the scene, making it that much more memorable.
Ferrell's decision to play the part of a security guard and his subsequent "ejection" of O'Neal from the game was not just entertaining but also a testament to his fearlessness and commitment to creating unique, humorous experiences. It is a prime example of how Ferrell blurs the lines between comedy and reality, turning an ordinary basketball game into an unforgettable event for all those in attendance and those who later witnessed the viral moment online.
Beyond his role as a spectator and impromptu security guard, Ferrell has also showcased his love for basketball in his acting career. He has appeared in films and shows that feature the sport, further solidifying his place in the basketball world and the hearts of fans who appreciate his unique brand of humour.
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Shaquille O'Neal being ejected
In a lighthearted moment during a Lakers game against the Phoenix Suns, actor Will Ferrell surprised the crowd by appearing as a security guard. Dressed in a red jacket, he approached Shaquille O'Neal, who was sitting courtside, and pretended to eject the former Lakers star from the game. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch and weighing 325 pounds, O'Neal is an imposing figure, but he played along with Ferrell's prank, even putting his hands behind his back as if he were being handcuffed.
O'Neal, also known as Shaq, is a four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played center for six different teams during his 19-year career in the NBA and was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017. In addition to his basketball career, O'Neal has released rap albums, appeared in films, and starred in reality TV shows.
While the Will Ferrell incident was all in good fun, there have been occasions when O'Neal was genuinely ejected from games. During a 1999 game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal shoved Charles Barkley after blocking a layup, and the two players were ejected. On another occasion, O'Neal was pranked on the MTV show "Punk'd", which led to an altercation with the show's crew members.
Despite these rare heated moments, O'Neal is known for his good-natured personality and willingness to participate in lighthearted pranks, as evidenced by his cooperation with Will Ferrell's stunt.
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Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns have faced off against each other multiple times over the years, with one of the most memorable encounters taking place on a Tuesday night in 2013. This particular game gained notoriety not for a spectacular performance on the court, but for a surprise appearance by Hollywood star Will Ferrell.
Ferrell, known for his comedic roles, decided to don a snazzy red jacket and pretend to be a member of the Staples Center security staff. His antics provided entertainment for those in attendance, as he approached the former Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal, who was seated courtside. Despite O'Neal's imposing stature, Ferrell, who is also a tall man, managed to keep a straight face as he pretended to eject the bemused O'Neal from the arena. The former player was a good sport and played along, pretending to be handcuffed and meekly walking off the court.
This incident became a viral moment, with many fans questioning whether they had missed some crucial context for the bizarre scene. Some speculated that it was a PR stunt, while others simply enjoyed the unexpected comedy provided by Ferrell. The actor has a reputation for doing as he pleases, and this impromptu performance falls in line with his previous eccentric decisions, like making a Spanish-language movie despite not speaking the language.
As for the basketball game itself, the Lakers emerged victorious with a final score of 91-85. The game also marked the Lakers' first 2-0 start since 2010-11, with Anthony Davis scoring 35 points and Austin Reaves adding 26. The Lakers' victory over the Suns was a testament to their strong start to the season and left fans eager to see what other surprises Ferrell might have in store for future games.
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Will Ferrell's basketball fandom
John William Ferrell, born in Irvine, California, is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Ferrell is known for his comedic roles in Hollywood and has received various accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and a British Academy Television Award. Ferrell has also been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award.
Ferrell's love for basketball is evident through his work both on and off-screen. Ferrell was the captain of his high school basketball team and went on to play a basketball player in the 2008 sports comedy film "Semi-Pro". The film is set during the final season of the American Basketball Association and tells the story of a fictional ABA team desperate to survive the league's merger with the NBA. Ferrell's character, Jackie Moon, is the owner, promoter, coach, and star player of the Flint Michigan Tropics.
Ferrell has also taken an active role in the Kings' fandom. During the 2023 playoffs, Ferrell appeared in his usual front-row seats, donning checkered face paint in the Kings' colors. In a 2019 game between the Kings and San Jose Sharks, Ferrell commentated on the entire second period of the match on local television broadcast in character as Ron Burgundy.
Ferrell's love for basketball was also on full display during a Lakers game in 2013. Ferrell, wearing a red jacket, pretended to be a Staples Center security guard and ejected Shaquille O'Neal from the game. O'Neal played along, pretending to be handcuffed and solemnly walking off the court. This amusing scene entertained the crowd and showcased Ferrell's playful side.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Ferrell pretended to be a security guard at the Lakers game and ejected Shaquille O'Neal from the game.
Will Ferrell was wearing a red coat.
Shaquille O'Neal played along and put his hands behind his back pretending to be handcuffed.
Will Ferrell is a well-known basketball enthusiast and a longtime fixture on the Los Angeles Lakers' Celebrity Row. He likely did it for his own amusement.
Yes, in December 2024, Will Ferrell attended a Los Angeles Kings game dressed as a dart-blasting, beer-chugging version of Buddy the Elf from the movie *Elf*.











































