Justin Bieber. MVP? Between the legs layup?
Come again?
After Kim Kardashian rented out the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday for a now 38-year-old Kanye West and a few of his bros to enjoy a basketball-themed party on court, who knew there would be more surprises to come?
Those bros included Justin Bieber rocking a man bun, rappers Tyga, Pusha T, plus NBA stars Russell Westbrook and John Wall. In addition, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Scotty Pippen, Carmelo Anthony, and Shaquille O’Neal shot birthday videos for Kanye that were played on the jumbotron.
The surprise that trumps all of that? Justin Bieber was the MVP — “Most Valuable Player” — during the game, managing to clock up 40 points for his side (West), who won by 75-72 over the East team.
Kim rented the Staples Center. 75-72 we won. Bieber MVP easily. HBD Ye. https://t.co/ZLeuh1MYe0
— VIRGIL ABLOH (@virgilabloh) June 9, 2015
MY BOY @justinbieber DROPPED 40 POINTS at kanyes BDAY game
— Jerome (@JeromeKhalaf) June 9, 2015
Justin Bieber had 40 pts at Ye’s bday game. Lol
— YASHUA (@Jaeelect) June 9, 2015
Bieber’s balling skills — albeit in a non-professional game — shouldn’t really be a surprise. The 21-year-old singer is constantly seen in basketball gear at gyms , attending basketball games , or sometimes hanging with basketball players like Kevin Durant . Now, it’s clear he has picked up a thing or two.
Take a look at the Biebs, Kanye, and the rest of the players in action in the videos below.
News of the fun to come arrived Monday morning when Kim tweeted, “Kanye’s bday today is gonna be a major SWISH!!! I planned the craziest surprise! Will share later!”
She added, “Sooooo excited!!!!!!”
E! News reports, Kardashian rented the Staples Center arena for $110,000.
Kim Kardashian Rents Out Staples Center for Kanye West’s Birthday http://t.co/2ztBTiiRKK pic.twitter.com/DW18ADdNVc
— Rap-Up (@RapUp) June 9, 2015
. @KimKardashian Rents Out The Staples Center For @kanyewest’s Birthday [Photos/Video] https://t.co/B0pRgoxSIq pic.twitter.com/qBccYcmnfF
— HipHopWired (@HipHopWired) June 9, 2015
#RP @tracyhnguyen via Instagram http://t.co/gQU5UtCbou pic.twitter.com/lCF8iML828
— Elliott Wilson (@ElliottWilson) June 9, 2015
Post game with the MVP @justinbieber https://t.co/OPzTTgtcX7 pic.twitter.com/lLEDINpJd2
— Tony Williams (@TWFTonyWilliams) June 9, 2015
A source confided to the network, “Kim rented out the Staples Center so Kanye and his boys could play an NBA-style game with real refs and Laker girls!”
The insider continued, “John Salley is the announcer. Houston Rockets player James Harden and rapper 2 Chainz are the coaches. John Legend sang the national anthem.”
Also in attendance at the game were Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, momager Kris, Kylie Jenner, and family friend, Malika Haqq.
Alongside a courtside pic, Kylie wrote , “Sisters @ the staple center!”
Khloe also a shared snap from Kanye’s big day, writing , “Kim rented out staples b****!!! Him and his boys are going to ball!!!! Happy birthday Yeezy!!!!”
Kim posted a birthday to Kanye alongside a shot from their Italian wedding last year.
The 34-year-old gushed , “Happy Birthday to my best friend in the entire world! You are the most amazing husband & dad! You inspire me every single day!”
Kim added, “You make all of your dreams reality & it’s fascinating to be by your side & watching it all happen! You have a heart of gold! Have the best birthday ever! #SWISH.”
As might be expected with anything involving Kim Kardashian and Kanye West , a flood of social media posts popped up from non-family members too.
Bieber posted an Instagram shot (seen in the above tweets) of himself with Kanye and the boys on the court.
Naturally, the heartthrob exposed his abs in one pic. Second guessing himself (we all do it, right?), Bieber deleted the abs shot and replaced it with a shirted look.
The Canadian star noted, “#happybirthdaykanye #howlongyouball #allday #staplescenter #mvp #22points.” His last hashtag appears to dispute the 40 points that everyone says he added.
Either way, Trail Blazers forward Dorell Wright, who was also at the game, talked to TMZ Sports after it ended and said that Bieber was the game’s MVP. Wright also said that in a hoops face-off between Biebs and Ye, Bieber would win. The interview can be seen here .
Back to Kanye’s b-day. Buddy Tracey Mills, shared Instagram videos. In one clip, a smiling Kanye is seen blowing out his NBA championship trophy-shaped birthday cake while Kim takes pictures.
Legend singing the national anthem.
Check out and enjoy the photographs and videos of Bieber and the rest at Kanye West’s basketball birthday party below.
Bieber’s awesome between the legs layup gets a focus in the first clip.
Post-balling, Bieber went to an L.A. venue with pals including Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. of Miami’s Trinity Church. The singer posted clips from the outing to his Snapchat account.
The group finished their evening at Bieber’s regular studio stop in Los Angeles, where they mused on the NBA finals , music, and Wilkerson’s inexplicable shirtlessness.
Seriously though, we can’t stop replaying the Biebs’ between the legs layup.
[Images via Instagram]