IN PHOTOS: USC star JuJu Watkins makes an appearance at Magic Johnson's LAFC as 'Honorary Falconer'
JuJu Watkins continues to become a mainstream name with her popularity soaring to new heights with each passing day. Her latest spot had some of that Los Angeles connection that she has become synonymous with.
The USC superstar, coming off a National Freshman of the Year Award was in attendance for the Magic Johnson-owned LAFC as they took on the New York Red Bulls in a regular season matchup.
The social media team for LAFC put out a post on X (formerly Twitter) hyping up the appearance of JuJu Watkins in the crowd, giving her the 'Honorary Falconer' tag, getting to hold the bird with the protective glove before the game.
"Today's Honorary Falconer is @USCWBB star JuJu Watkins #LAFC Falcon Flight | @UOPX"
How did LAFC fare against the NY Red Bulls?
In a competitive matchup, the New York Red Bulls got the early lead, thanks to goal by Eddie Segura in the 8th minute. NY was able to hold on to the lead for the majority of the contest before a mistake brought LA back into the contest.
Thanks to a penalty on Sean Nealis, Denis Bouanga got the equalizer in the 67th minute. LA's relief was shortlived as Emil Forsberg from Sweden put the Red Bulls ahead just 14 minutes later.
In a tightly contested final stretch, it was Bouanga again, in Overtime, who found a small hole to put the ball through heavy traffic in the penalty area, thanks to an assist by Luis Muller.
The draw brings the Black and Gold to 3-3-3 on the year, good for 9th place in the Western Conference with 12 points.
The JuJu Watkins - Magic Johnson connection
Magic Johnson is among the few legendary basketball players to sport the #32 on the court. He famously wore the jersey for his all-time great career with the Los Angeles Lakers, capturing five Championships and three MVP Awards.
In the same general area, JuJu Watkins took on the same number as her own, and has been spectacular in her record-breaking first season with USC. Becoming the all-time leading scorer in franchise and NCAA history for freshman, JuJu has already set numerous records in her one year at the collegiate level.
Her performance against the San Diego Toreros early in the year drew special praise from Magic, who called her "must-see TV" as she broke the freshman record for most 30-point games in a season, in what would ultimately end up being the first of many records Watkins would shatter.
“USC freshman JuJu Watkins is must-see-TV, setting women’s college basketball on fire! With her 4th 30-point game, Watkins broke the freshman record held by Lisa Leslie and Paula McGee for most 30-point games in a season"
A couple of weeks ago, Johnson singled out JuJu Watkins and other star athletes as the reason for women's college basketball sustaining its popularity post-Caitlin Clark.
“The women’s college game is in great hands moving forward with Juju Watkins, Paige Bueckers, Hannah Hidalgo, and the countless others who showed their talent all season long!"
The connection between the two Los Angeles stars continues to grow stronger by the day. Do you think JuJu Watkins could tally a career similar to the other #32 in LA? Let us know in the comments below.