Shohei Ohtani, wife Mamiko make rare public appearance at Lakers game with no LeBron

The Los Angeles Dodgers MVP and his wife pick the wrong game to watch the Lakers play, but were seen enjoying each other’s company regardless.

Matt Ryan | Dec 8, 2024

Los Angeles Dodger Shohei Ohtani, wife Mamiko Tanaka and dog Decoy arrive at Dodger Stadium for the team’s World Series Championship celebration. / Sandy Hooper-USA TODAY via Imagn Images

The biggest star of LA was at the Los Angeles Lakers game on Sunday and his name wasn’t LeBron James.

Shohei Ohtani and his wife Mamiko Tanaka, who have been off the grid in the public eye since the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series and his epic MVP announcement with dog Decoy, made a rare public appearance together Sunday night for the Lakers vs. the Portland Trail Blazers.

Since announcing their marriage in February there has been a lot of mystery surrounding Ohtani and Tanaka’s relationship, but Tanaka was more public during the World Series and afterwards when she posed with fans without Ohtani. She also sat with Ohtani when it was announced he’d won his third unanimous MLB MVP award, but she was unfortunately dissed by MLB on the night.

National League designated hitter Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers (17) and his wife Mamiko Tanaka walk the red carpet before the 2024 MLB All-Star game at Globe Life Field. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Tanaka obviously loves basketball having played pro ball in Japan where she was an absolute baller. Ohtani brought her to watch an NBA game at Crypto.com Arena in downtown LA in a game the Lakers could’ve used her because of all nights LeBron unfortunately sat for the first time all season. Cameras caught the adorable couple together having a great time regardless.

Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko, are in attendance watching the Lakers play the Blazers tonight!

Sho enjoying the offseason 👏
pic.twitter.com/4UXxHyr6La
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) December 9, 2024

Tanaka played for the Fujitsu Red Wave in the Women's Japan Basketball League from 2019 to 2023, where she averaged 24 minutes, 7.8 points, and 6.0 rebounds per game in 2022–23.

Both Ohtani and Mamiko were gifted custom Lakers jerseys. Too bad Decoy couldn’t make it out as well.