Man who wore diamond watch to Lakers game alleges in lawsuit he was mugged in arena’s restroom

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: An exterior view of Crypto.com Arena before the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers on March 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images).  (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES - A man who attended a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Memphis Grizzlies with his daughter on Nov. 13, 2024, claims he was mugged and assaulted inside a restroom at the Crypto.com Arena. 

In a new lawsuit, the plaintiff said the incident occurred in an upstairs restroom after the arena’s staff allegedly told him the bathroom closest to his courtside seats was being occupied by "a celebrity." 

The celebrity in question was not identified. 

The Lakers won the game 128-123.

The fan is now suing AEG and the Crypto.com Arena. 

What we know:

Efren Grave's Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit brought against AEG- Crypto.com Arena alleges battery, assault, premises liability and general negligence. The suit includes a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress on behalf of Grave's minor daughter, who witnessed the alleged battery.

According to the suit, Grave and his daughter were sitting courtside on the evening of Nov. 13, 2024. During the game, the pair went to the nearest restroom, but the staff told them that it was occupied by a "celebrity," so they went upstairs to another bathroom, the suit states.

While washing his hands, three men approached Grave and began harassing him about the diamond watch and chains he wore, according to the suit, which further states that Grave was then struck on the head and further assaulted as he tried to leave the restroom. The complaint states that Grave was "robbed," but doesn't specify what property was taken.

Grave claimed he screamed for help, but the security personnel and staff allegedly were distracted by the game and were not paying adequate attention. The suit further states that it was "reasonably foreseeable" to employees that visitors to the Figueroa Street venue could be assaulted.

The other side:

An AEG representative said Monday the organization does not comment on pending litigation.