To celebrate the NBA’s return to NBC, a special art event called “30 Rocks” is showcasing unique basketballs designed by 30 different artists. For the Lakers, artist Arutyun Gozukuchikyan, also known as ArToon, created a vibrant design that captures the spirit of Los Angeles.
This exhibition connects each NBA team to its home city through art. Local artists have designed basketballs that reflect their community’s culture, giving fans a new way to appreciate their teams. After being displayed in New York, these art pieces will return to their respective home cities.
🎨 A Nationwide Art Celebration
The “30 Rocks” event, a collaboration between NBC Sports and all 30 NBA teams, brings the love of basketball and city pride to life. Fans visiting Rockefeller Center in New York can enjoy immersive art, meet-and-greets, and other basketball activities. The highlight is the collection of 30 unique basketballs, each telling the story of a team and its community.
🏀 A Tribute to the City of Angels
ArToon’s design for the Lakers is a colorful celebration of Los Angeles. He wanted to represent the city fully, including landmarks like the Hollywood hills, the famous Venice basketball courts, the city skyline, palm trees, and a beautiful sunset. The design also features the number ‘17’ to honor the team’s 17 championships. ArToon used bright, vibrant colors to reflect the city’s energy and warmth.
❤️ Inspired by a Lifelong Passion
As a huge Lakers supporter, ArToon was deeply honored to be chosen for this project. He shared that he has been an artist since he was a young child growing up in Armenia. His passion for art and his love for Los Angeles are key motivations in his work. He also mentioned that Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his “Mamba Mentality” have always been a great source of inspiration, encouraging a mindset of never giving up.
