While the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 127-125 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday was defined by on-court heroics, the post-game conversation has been dominated by a single photograph.
Russian tennis legend Maria Sharapova, attending her first game at Crypto.com Arena in years, posed for a snapshot with Lakers guard Luka Doncic following his 30-point performance.
Almost immediately, the image went viral on X, not because of the star power involved, but because of the seemingly narrow height gap between the two.
Fans quickly began questioning the official measurements of the five-time Grand Slam winner, with many suggesting she looks significantly taller than her listed 6’2 frame.
The debate stems from the visual evidence of Sharapova standing next to Doncic, who is officially measured at 6’8.
In the viral photo, Sharapova’s head reaches well past Doncic’s shoulder, appearing to stand nearly eye-to-eye with the Slovenian superstar.
This has led to a wave of skepticism online, with one viral comment noting, “She’s listed at 6’2 ain’t no wayyy. Gotta be at least 6’4 if Luka is 6’8.”
The discrepancy has prompted fans to dig into past comparisons, including photos of Sharapova standing next to 6’9 Lakers legend Magic Johnson, where she similarly appeared to hold her own in the height department.
The style behind the stature
Beyond pure genetics, some observers pointed out that footwear likely played a role in the “towering” appearance.
While NBA players are measured in standard basketball shoes, Sharapova was dressed for a red-carpet-ready night in Los Angeles, likely wearing heels that added several inches to her already formidable 188 cm frame.
However, even accounting for four-inch heels, the sheer presence of a 6’2 athlete next to an elite NBA wing is a rare sight that highlights why Sharapova was one of the most physically dominant players in the history of the WTA.
The interaction was also a homecoming of sorts for Sharapova, who was a frequent courtside presence during the Lakers’ championship runs in 2009 and 2010.
Her return to the arena coincides with a new connection to the team’s current star; in late 2025, Doncic reportedly finalized a $25 million purchase of Sharapova’s custom-built Manhattan Beach estate.
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