Did One Piece Just Drop the Perfect Spinoff Pitch? Because I Need to See This Anime

Recently, the One Piece franchise announced an incredible collaboration with the Los Angeles Lakers team. Their partnership also included an emotive and exciting theme night based on the anime series during a game on February 28, 2025. To celebrate this memorable collaboration for the Lakers event, commemorative illustrations of the Straw Hats as members of this illustrious team were released.

Besides being among the most unique versions of the beloved pirate crew, these pictures also gave many fans an odd but certainly enjoyable idea: a basketball-themed One Piece spin-off. This hypothetical series, while not likely to ever occur, would be no less entertaining than Eiichiro Oda’s epic story. Moreover, the unique abilities of the heroes would make them invaluable members of their team, helping them retain their personalities and ambitions.

The Straw Hat Crew Would Make an Amazing Basketball Team

Luffy and His Friends Perfectly Know the Importance of Working Together

As part of the collaboration between the One Piece franchise and the Lakers team, a set of never-before-seen illustrations was released. These images depicted what the Straw Hat Crew would have looked like if the series had been based around basketball rather than pirates. Seeing this new version of their favorite heroes naturally caused fans to wonder what such an alternative universe would be like. The consensus was that seeing the Straw Hat crew become a basketball team would be a fascinating concept.

Luffy and his friends are undoubtedly one of the strongest crews in the series, feared and respected by pirates from all over the world. Yet, their power does not only rely on their physical and mystical abilities, since their true power is their unity and friendship. As cliché as this might sound, it is the love these characters feel for one another which pushes them to always try their best and surpass their limits. They are as close as any family, and they know each other better than anyone else.

Feature header with Shanks from One Piece anime and fan art by Sakamoto Days creator

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If they were to suddenly wake up in a universe where basketball has become their life, there is no doubt that they would be among the best teams in the world. Their knowledge of each other’s strengths and weaknesses would help them come up with strategies to defeat almost any opponent. As such, seeing them out on the field, working together to achieve victory could be just as entertaining as seeing them fight pirates. Thanks to Oda’s masterful writing and incredible art style, the series could have a chance of becoming one of the best sports anime of all time.

The Straw Hats Powers Could Easily Translate to the Field

Each Member Would Be a Vital Piece To Achieve Victory

Robin wearing the Lakers' uniform as she uses her Devil Fruit powers.

One of the most interesting details revealed by the official illustrations of the Straw Hat crew as basketball players is their specialty on the field. For example, Luffy is shown jumping and attempting to dunk the ball, demonstrating his skills. His Gum-Gum Fruit powers, considered among the best in the franchise, would be translated into outstanding flexibility and agility, making him a fast player who would overwhelm the opposing team. Zoro would be a powerful attacker, using his strength and determination to score against the best defenses.

Thanks to his strong legs, Sanji would be known for his powerful jumps, reaching heights that most other players cannot even imagine. He could use these skills both offensively and defensively, by either scoring points or taking the ball from the opposing team. Most surprising of all would be Usopp, whose abilities as a marksman would help him score from several feet away, making him a dominating force on the field. Jimbe would make for an almost impenetrable defense, working hard to keep their adversaries from coming near their hoop.

the Straw Hats from the One Piece anime ending 'dear sunrise'

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Robin would make for an amazing dribbler, a symbolic representation of her Devil Fruit ability. Her speed controlling the ball would make it seem as if she could grow extra arms. Franky would also make for an amazing defense, although his experience and knowledge would also help him become an amazing coach. Brook, as usual, would bring entertainment to his team, inspiring them with amazing performances. Nami would shine as the manager, helping the team score deals and making sure they stay financially viable. Lastly, Chopper could be their doctor, but also their adorable and iconic mascot.

One Piece’s Story Could Easily Be Translated Into a Sports Anime

Luffy’s Goal Could Be To Become the Best Player in the World

Nami wearing the uniform while posing for a photo.

When thinking about it carefully, the story of One Piece could easily be translated into a basketball-centric anime with just a few changes. As a child, Luffy was inspired by Shanks, the captain of an upcoming basketball team. Since meeting him, his dream was to win the biggest championship in the world, the One Piece Tournament. As a teenager, he would travel the world looking for teammates, getting to know them, and recruiting them.

Instead of fighting, the series could focus on games against other teams, all inspired by the pirate and Marine crews that the protagonist has fought in his quest. It would be impressive to see how Oda would translate their supernatural abilities into realistic basketball skills. The best fights in the series, such as Luffy’s battle against Kaido, could become important games, where the heroes work hard to defeat professional teams and make a name for themselves. Overall, the idea of a One-Piece-inspired basketball spin-off might be more appealing than fans imagine.

This Spin-off Is Almost Certainly Never Occurring

Oda Has Enough on His Plate To Finish the Main Series

Luffy and his friends, the Straw Hat crew.

While it is enjoyable to speculate about a hypothetical One Piece spin-off based on the Lakers’ promotional pictures, it is clear that such an idea would never exist. Not only is Oda already busy working on the long-awaited and game-changing Elbaph arc, but he has never expressed a desire to work on a sports-related series. Still, those who have imagined Luffy’s adventure as a basketball player are aware of how entertaining creating new versions of their favorite characters can be. It is an activity that brings the community together and helps One Piece fans let their imagination fly freely.