Sanaa Lathan, the award-winning actor known to many as Monica Wright-McCall from the 2000 romantic film “Love & Basketball,” made a notable appearance courtside at the Crypto.com Arena. She was present during the Los Angeles Sparks’ 103-68 defeat against Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty on Thursday night, a setting that carried a sense of homecoming for Lathan.
In the beloved film “Love & Basketball,” Lathan portrayed Monica Wright, a dedicated basketball player from Los Angeles who attended the prestigious Crenshaw High School. Her character’s story intertwined with that of Quincy McCall, played by Omar Epps. Quincy, also a Crenshaw basketball player, eventually became Monica’s boyfriend after a memorable high school prom.
The narrative followed both Monica and Quincy as they signed with the USC Trojans for college basketball. While Quincy emerged as the star player, Monica worked hard to secure her spot and earn significant playing time.
After college, Quincy pursued a career in the NBA, donning the Los Angeles Lakers jersey. Despite various challenges and changes in their lives, Monica and Quincy managed to rebuild their relationship. The film culminates with their marriage, marking a heartwarming moment where Lathan’s character is introduced as part of the starting lineup for the Sparks, wearing the iconic No. 32 jersey.
Notable appearances in the film included Basketball Hall of Famers Lisa Leslie and Magic Johnson, adding an authentic touch to the storyline.
Lathan’s performance in “Love & Basketball” earned her a BET Award for Best Actress, cementing her portrayal of Monica Wright as a memorable and beloved character in cinematic history.
Source: Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks, USC Trojans, Los Angeles Lakers, Lisa Leslie, Magic Johnson, BET Awards
