Tevai De Mello, a seasoned member of the renowned Laker Girls dance team, has shared her continued excitement and gratitude for performing before prominent celebrities and fans during NBA games. Although De Mello has been part of the squad for four years, she insists that each game remains a surreal experience that leaves her starstruck time and time again.
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Reflecting on her journey, the San Diego native expresses her amazement at the opportunity to dance for A-List attendees, including figures such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, and Drake. “Oh my gosh, it’s so surreal,” she remarked in a conversation with PEOPLE. “Even though I have done this many times, the feeling never goes away, and I still get starstruck all the time. I’m very grateful for that.”
De Mello’s enthusiasm was palpable as she described the thrill of performing during the Lakers’ season opener against the Golden State Warriors, a match that ended with an impressive score of 127-105. Notable attendees at the Crypto.com Arena that evening included musicians Chloe Bailey and Flavor Flav, further enriching the electric atmosphere of the event.
Outside of her role with the Lakers, De Mello co-owns a spray tan business alongside her mother. She views this season as an opportunity to appreciate her experiences and fully engage with the moments that make her role so special. “This season is really about taking the time to appreciate everything for what it is and being present in those big moments,” she stated.
Beyond the high-energy performances, De Mello emphasises the importance of the camaraderie she has found among her teammates. Although she grew up as an only child, she has cultivated a strong sense of sisterhood within her dance community and regards her fellow Laker Girls as part of her family. “I always found my sense of sisterhood through my dance community, and I think more than ever, my family is here with the Laker Girls,” she shared.
The Laker Girls, originally brought into the spotlight by the late owner Dr. Jerry Buss in 1979, are set to present new performances and uniforms this season. In a fresh initiative, they will be offering a pre-game performance for fans arriving at the arena before the tip-off, marking an exciting new chapter for the organisation.
De Mello views her role as not just a performer but as an ambassador for the Lakers, expressing her pride in representing the team both locally and globally. “That really is iconic in and of itself to be able to represent the Lakers organisation and be an ambassador for the Lakers,” she remarked, adding that she particularly enjoys connecting with fans from around the world who share their support for the team.
Looking ahead, the Lakers are scheduled to face their local rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, on October 23, an event that promises to bring even more excitement to the arena. With De Mello and her fellow dancers embracing new opportunities and performances, the upcoming season looks to be full of thrilling moments for fans and performers alike.
As the team and its accompanying Laker Girls prepare for their next showdown, there is no doubt that De Mello’s passion for dance and the camaraderie she shares with her teammates will shine brightly, echoing through the uplifting environment of the Crypto.com Arena.