Lakers Fan Hits $100,000 Halfcourt Shot, Plans to Use Money for Wedding Expenses

Los Angeles Lakers fan Mike Bell had the moment of a lifetime on Thursday night, sinking a $100,000 halfcourt shot during a game break. For Bell, the money couldn’t have come at a better time.

"We actually just got married in November and spent a good chunk of our savings on the wedding and honeymoon," Bell shared. "So, most of this money is going to replenish that and fill our bank accounts back up a little bit." Smart move there—because love might be priceless, but weddings sure aren’t.

As for treating himself, Bell revealed he’s eyeing something special to mark the occasion. "Maybe a special pair of Kobe’s or something like that," he said. A fitting tribute, considering the stage where he became $100,000 richer.

Bell described the nerve-wracking moments leading up to the shot. "I spent pretty much the whole third quarter in the tunnel getting ready," he said. But it wasn’t exactly a quiet space for focus. "It was down in the area where all the celebrities are walking through. I’m sitting there trying to focus on a potentially life-changing shot, and I’ve got celebrity after celebrity walking by me. It was kind of a wild experience." Talk about distractions!

When the shot hit nothing but net, the moment was so overwhelming that Bell joked, "I blacked out, man. I blacked out." His wife has been teasing him about his response to the PA announcer’s question immediately afterward, to which he simply replied, "Go Lakers." He confessed, "Honestly, I didn’t even hear her question. That just felt like a safe response to whatever she might’ve asked." Safety first, Mike.

In the ensuing celebrations, Bell high-fived some big names, including Floyd Mayweather, Spike Lee, and the Los Angeles Rams’ Puka Nacua. Quite the roster for a victory lap.

While most of the money will go toward practical uses, Bell mentioned he plans to get something special for his wife. "She hasn’t asked for anything specifically," he said, "but she puts up with me staying up late watching the games and having the TV on in bed. If she asks for something, it’s the least I could do." Spoken like a true team player.