Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams took part in a much-anticipated match in the Australian Open on Thursday morning, with the half-Japanese star pulling off the victory. During Osaka's post-game press conference after defeating Williams, she was repping the Los Angeles Lakers by wearing a sweet Purple & Gold jacket.

Osaka was able to handily beat Williams in two sets, advancing to the Australian Open final. The young tennis star spoke about playing against her childhood idol and a legendary tennis player in Williams.

The 23-year-old tennis player was born in Japan but she currently lives in the Beverly Hills area in California. Therefore, she's likely become a fan of the Lakers since she's begun living in California.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James dumps fuel on Brian Windhorst feud with calloutMalik Brown ·
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Nick Wright drops the mic on LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry debateScotty White ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena
Luka Doncic reveals initial thought on living in LA after Lakers tradeJosue Pavon ·

At the same time, she's known to have had a relationship with Kobe Bryant before he tragically passed away in 2020. Back in 2019, after a back-and-forth match with Coco Gauff, Bryant congratulated both Gauff and Osaka for being the future of tennis.

Ever since that moment, Bryant and Osaka kept in contact as he served as a mentor for Osaka. But even beyond that, her Los Angeles connection already had already given her an affinity towards Bryant's beloved franchise.

Williams is arguably the greatest tennis player in history, among both men and women in the sport. You could make the argument that Williams is the greatest athlete of all-time in any sport. While that may be true, Osaka appears to be the next dominant tennis player as she defeated Williams and showed some love to the Lakers in the process.