The Los Angeles Lakers returned from the NBA’s All-Star break on Wednesday night, suffering a heartbreaking loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Before that game went final, a member of the Laker Girls went viral.
Alyssa Gaines joined the Laker Girls at the start of the 2024-25 season. Prior to joining the NBA, she worked as a cheerleader for the Washington Commanders. When the 2023 NFL season came to an end, she posted a farewell message on social media.
“4 seasons, 1 rebrand, 3 name changes, coaching our junior force program, and 1 military tour later, I have decided to hang up my burgundy and gold poms forever,” she wrote on Instagram. “It has been such an honor to grow up with, and represent this organization, and to be able to cheer for the best fans in the NFL. This team got me through some of my darkest days, and for that I will forever be grateful. 21 year old Alyssa took a leap of faith, and had no idea how great life was about to get in the midst of all the chaos. 25 year old me is ready to unfold the next chapter God has planned for me.”
“Thank you to the entire coaching staff, my teammates, my family, friends, and everyone in between who has supported me, and helped shape me into the strong woman I am today. I am so honored to be a part of this legacy, and will forever hail to the burgundy and gold! Thank you Washington for the best 4 years of my life.”
It probably wasn’t easy for Gaines to say goodbye to the Commanders. That being said, she was pretty excited about becoming a Laker Girl.
“New city, new colors. It’s Showtime,” Gaines wrote. “Feeling so incredibly grateful and excited for this new chapter representing such an iconic organization! A huge thank you to my parents, family, and close friends for always supporting my wildest dreams. Let’s go Lake Show!”
So far, Lakers fans have shown Gaines nothing but love.
“You’re literally stunning,” one person wrote on Instagram.
“Just WOW,” another person commented on one of her posts.
“Gold and purple never looked so good,” a third person said.
Gaines, who has 11,000 followers on Instagram, will be back in the spotlight on Feb. 25 when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Dallas Mavericks.
At 32-21, the Lakers are currently in fifth place in the Western Conference. Despite last night’s loss, they’re only 3.5 games back of the No. 3 seed.
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