The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend wrapped up with a thrilling and engaging event. Even though Kyrie Irving wasn’t a participant, he made the most of the occasion. While the crowd was captivated by YouTuber MrBeast’s competition, Irving decided to take a little cash for himself.
The league rolled out various entertaining activities to enhance the All-Star experience. During a break, a fan from the audience was invited to face off against Damian Lillard for a chance to win a bag containing $100,000. Jaren Barajas was the lucky fan who went head-to-head with Lillard and executed an astounding shot from long range. He delivered a remarkable buzzer-beater that sent the Chase Center into a frenzy.
The challenge, led by the well-known YouTube star MrBeast, was quite straightforward. Lillard had to make three deep shots from the logo before Barajas could hit a single basket. What appeared to be an easy victory for Lillard quickly turned into a suspenseful underdog success story. Barajas launched a last-second shot that banked off the glass and went through the net.
Kyrie took money from the $100k winner 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/DXog7H4jIq
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) February 18, 2025
Interestingly, while the arena cheered for the young winner, cameras captured Irving doing something entirely different. He was seen slipping some cash from the prize pool, all while smiling. As footage of the event circulated online, fans quickly criticized him for pocketing some of the winnings.
Additionally: Kyrie Irving Reflects On Bond With Luka Doncic Following His Lakers Trade
Kyrie Irving Sends Social Media Into A Frenzy After Taking Money From MrBeast’s Prize Pool
Despite many fans pondering whether the money was real, Irving faced backlash for allegedly taking some bills home. As the story unfolded, the fan revealed he intended to use the winnings to pay for his college tuition. Making that three-point shot truly paid off for him. While the Dallas Mavericks star might have thought no one noticed his antics, social media users caught him in the act.
“East Orange activities,” one fan quipped.
East Orange activities 😂😂
— Lindor (@BKNETS417) February 17, 2025
“Tax his a**,” another user commented.
Tax his ass 😂😂😂
— babyna (@nasheowalker) February 18, 2025
“Usual suspects… always stealing,” joked another fan.
Usual suspects… always stealing
— Emmy (@Emmmyalluu) February 18, 2025
“Lmfao he went straight to the vending machine and bought some snacks,” read another comment.
Lmfao he went straight to the vending machine and bought some snacks 🤣🤣🤣😅😅😅
— JakFrosT.eth (@jfreezy_49) February 18, 2025
“It wasn’t real money,” claimed another fan.
It wasn’t real money
— . (@zillashinobi) February 18, 2025
Regardless, it is unlikely that Kyrie, being a millionaire, would actually take the cash. It was all in good fun, and he may have just been teasing Lillard with the bills. Although he certainly deserves a break given the added pressures he faces, notably with Anthony Davis’s absence following Luka Doncic’s departure, the NBA All-Star Weekend provided a refreshing change for the Mavs star.
Image Source: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock
