Timothée Chalamet is no stranger to stirring the cultural pot. From award-nominated film performances to high-fashion moments on the red carpet, the actor has become as much a symbol of New York cool as he is a Hollywood heavyweight. But recently, a small yet powerful gesture — wearing a T-shirt bearing the image of basketball legend Kobe Bryant — has prompted a wave of online speculation: Is Chalamet turning his back on his beloved New York Knicks?
For fans of both cinema and sports, this seemingly simple wardrobe choice raised eyebrows. Was it a fashion statement? A tribute to a fallen icon? Or a subtle shift in basketball allegiance? The truth, as it often is in celebrity culture, may be complicated.
A Kid from New York: Chalamet’s Knicks Roots
Long before he was striding across movie sets in France or cozying up next to Kylie Jenner at NBA games, Chalamet was just another kid growing up in Manhattan, with dreams big enough to stretch from 125th Street to Hollywood. Among those dreams? A deep-rooted love for the New York Knicks.
His Knicks fandom isn’t performative or promotional. In his early teens, he was known to frequent games at Madison Square Garden and once won a contest that gave him special access to Knicks events. By the time he was gaining recognition for roles in “Call Me by Your Name” and “Lady Bird,” he was also becoming a staple courtside at Knicks games.
His presence wasn’t just that of a star doing publicity rounds. By all appearances, he was emotionally invested. He groaned when the Knicks lost. He stood to cheer when they won. This was a fan with history.
For Chalamet, the Knicks seemed to represent more than just a basketball team — they symbolized home.
Enter: The Kobe Shirt
It all changed — or so the internet thought — when Chalamet appeared courtside at a Los Angeles Lakers playoff game on April 30, 2025, wearing a vintage black-and-white T-shirt with a striking portrait of Kobe Bryant across the front.
It wasn’t just any Lakers game. It was Game 5 in a heated series against the Timberwolves, and the stakes were high. Sitting beside Jenner, a born-and-raised Angeleno and outspoken Lakers fan, Chalamet’s fashion choice seemed… intentional.
The internet wasted no time. Tweets flooded in: “Is Timmy switching teams?” “Is that a betrayal of the Knicks?” “Blame Kylie?”
Though some of it was clearly in jest, the debate raged on — in sports blogs, fan forums, and even mainstream media outlets. What did this really mean?
Kobe as a Cultural Icon
To understand the full weight of this controversy, it’s essential to examine who Kobe Bryant was and what he represented.
Kobe wasn’t just a five-time NBA champion — he was a global symbol of excellence, discipline, and inspiration. His tragic death in 2020 rocked the sports world and beyond. Wearing a Kobe shirt, even five years later, can easily be interpreted as a tribute to a hero, not necessarily an allegiance to the Lakers.
Indeed, many celebrities — including known Knicks fans and even Celtics players — have worn Kobe-themed apparel over the years. It’s a nod of respect, not betrayal.
Yet, with Chalamet, the lines blur. Because of his fame and highly scrutinized romantic life, every wardrobe choice becomes a message.
Kylie Jenner’s Lakers Legacy
Let’s not ignore the Kylie factor.
Kylie Jenner, a fixture of the Kardashian-Jenner dynasty, has long been associated with Los Angeles sports culture. Her family has deep ties to the Lakers, and she has been seen courtside for years. Her sister Kendall famously dated several NBA players, including Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell and Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker.
So when Chalamet and Jenner became an item in 2023, speculation about “team politics” wasn’t far behind. Would Kylie embrace New York basketball? Would Timothée become more L.A.-centric?
Interestingly, the couple has made subtle nods to both franchises. Kylie was recently seen wearing a New York Knicks cap while on vacation, and Chalamet has continued to show love for the Knicks on social media.
Frequently Asked Question
Is Timothée Chalamet a lifelong Knicks fan?
Yes. Chalamet grew up in New York City and has been a vocal supporter of the New York Knicks for many years. He has attended numerous games at Madison Square Garden and even participated in Knicks-related fan events as a teenager.
Why did Chalamet wear a Kobe Bryant T-shirt at a Lakers game?
While he hasn’t publicly commented on it, most believe it was a tribute to Kobe Bryant, a widely respected figure across the basketball world. The shirt may have been more of a fashion or commemorative choice than a sign of shifting allegiance.
Is Chalamet now a Lakers fan?
There’s no clear evidence that he has switched teams. His long-standing support for the Knicks hasn’t wavered publicly, and he hasn’t been seen wearing Lakers gear beyond the Kobe shirt. It’s more likely a tribute than a fandom change.
What role does Kylie Jenner play in this narrative?
Kylie, a Los Angeles native and Lakers fan, is Chalamet’s partner. Some fans speculate that her influence might be nudging him toward the Lakers, but that remains speculative. The couple has made nods to both teams in public.
Why is this such a big deal to fans?
Sports fandom is often tied to personal and regional identity. When a celebrity known for supporting one team appears to endorse another — especially a rival — fans take notice, sometimes emotionally. In Chalamet’s case, his dual presence in New York and LA only amplifies the debate.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Timothée Chalamet’s Kobe Bryant T-shirt is just that — a T-shirt. But in our culture, especially for public figures, clothing can function as messaging. In this case, the message may have been simple admiration for a legendary athlete, a nod to his partner’s team, or just a stylish vintage pick.
What it probably wasn’t is a betrayal of the Knicks or a full leap onto the Lakers bandwagon.
