18 Magical Facts About Lucky The Leprechaun: The Boston Celtics Mascot’s History, Salary, And Viral 2024 Moments

The Boston Celtics’ iconic mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun, remains one of the most recognizable and enduring figures in all of professional sports, and his profile has never been higher as of December 17, 2025. While the Celtics organization continues its pursuit of another championship, Lucky is more than just a courtside cheerleader; he is a world-class acrobat, a cornerstone of the team’s community outreach, and the physical embodiment of Boston’s deep Irish heritage. His continued relevance is underscored by recent commemorative merchandise, like the 2024 NBA Champions Ring Base Mascot Bighead Bobblehead, cementing his status as a legendary figure in the team's history.

This deep dive explores the man behind the magic (or lack thereof), the surprising details of his origin, and the unforgettable viral moments that have kept Lucky trending in the modern NBA era, including an infamous incident with a rival superstar. From his high-flying, signature dunking moves to his estimated high-end NBA mascot salary, Lucky is a captivating entity that transcends the typical sports mascot role.

The Definitive Biography and Profile of Lucky the Leprechaun

Lucky the Leprechaun is a fictional character, yet he possesses a rich, detailed history that intertwines directly with the legendary lore of the Boston Celtics franchise. His existence is a direct nod to Boston’s historically large Irish population and the team's original nickname.

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• Full Name (Formal): L.C. Leprechaun.
• Team: Boston Celtics (NBA).
• Debut as a Logo/Illustration: 1950.
• Debut as an In-Person Mascot: The first widely cited appearance in costume was in October 2003.
• Original Illustrator: Zang Auerbach, a sports artist and the brother of Celtics patriarch Red Auerbach.
• Inspiration: The Celtics' nickname and the team's mascot were chosen by original owner Walter Brown and coach Red Auerbach to honor Boston's Irish-American community.
• Signature Props: A shillelagh (a traditional Irish walking stick or club) and a bowler hat.
• Known Early Performer: Damon Lee, who played the character around the time of the in-person debut in 2003. (The identity of the current performer is typically kept secret).
• Official Role Beyond Mascot: In his fictional profile, Lucky is also known as a world champion freestyle dunker and the coach of the JetBlue flight crew.

The original logo illustration of Lucky depicted him spinning a basketball on one finger while balancing his shillelagh in the other hand. This early visual established the mascot as a figure of both luck and athletic skill, a duality that the in-person performer has carried forward for decades.

More Than a Mascot: Lucky’s Signature Moves and Viral Moments

Unlike many other NBA mascots, Lucky’s in-game performance relies heavily on high-risk, high-reward acrobatics. His reputation is built on being a world-class tumbler and "freestyle dunker," often utilizing a trampoline to launch himself into gravity-defying feats.

The Acrobatic Art of Freestyle Dunking

Lucky the Leprechaun is renowned for his signature moves, which require significant athletic prowess and training. These performances are a major draw at the TD Garden and a key reason he is considered one of the NBA’s elite mascots.

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• Signature Move: Freestyle dunking, often involving complex mid-air maneuvers.
• Fan Favorites: His repertoire includes impressive front flip dunks and various acrobatic slams, demonstrating a level of skill that goes beyond simple crowd cheering.
• Commitment to the Craft: There are reports that the performers behind Lucky have sustained injuries, such as spraining an ankle, while practicing these high-flying, trampoline-assisted dunks, highlighting the dedication required for the role.

The Infamous Kyrie Irving Incident

One of Lucky's most recent and enduring viral moments involves former Celtics guard and current rival, Kyrie Irving. In a highly publicized incident, Irving appeared to step on the center-court image of Lucky the Leprechaun at the TD Garden. The event occurred during a heated playoff series, and the moment quickly became a meme and a source of intense fan discussion.

Following the incident, a narrative emerged among fans and commentators that Irving had been "cursed" by Lucky. This stemmed from Irving subsequently losing a significant number of consecutive games against the Celtics, fueling the idea that the mascot’s magical luck had been revoked. The "Curse of Lucky" remains a popular talking point whenever Irving faces Boston, showcasing the mascot’s powerful, almost mystical status among the fanbase.

The Business of Being Lucky: Salary and Cultural Impact

The role of an NBA mascot is a serious, high-paying profession, and Lucky the Leprechaun is no exception. His longevity, iconic status, and performance skills place him among the highest-paid mascots in the league, reflecting his value to the Celtics brand and fan experience.

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The High-End Mascot Salary

While the exact salary of the current performer is not publicly disclosed, reports indicate that the average NBA mascot earns between $60,000 and $65,000 annually. However, elite, iconic mascots like Lucky earn significantly more, often ranking in the top tier of the league’s mascot pay scale.

• Estimated Rank: Lucky the Leprechaun has been ranked among the top ten highest-paid NBA mascots, often placing around eighth in estimated annual earnings.
• Top Tier Comparison: The highest-paid NBA mascots can earn salaries well into the six figures, sometimes exceeding $600,000 per year, demonstrating the massive earning potential for a successful, globally recognized character.
• Value Drivers: Lucky’s high ranking is driven by the Celtics’ large market size, the mascot’s promotional value, and his iconic status, which includes appearances at community events, like the recent unveiling of a newly renovated gym alongside players Al Horford and Derrick White.

Enduring Cultural Significance and Topical Authority

Lucky's impact extends far beyond the parquet floor of the TD Garden. He is an integral part of the Boston Celtics’ topical authority, linking the team to its historical roots and the city’s identity. The shamrock motif, the green uniforms, and the leprechaun mascot all serve as enduring links to Boston’s Irish-American community.

From the original vision of Red Auerbach to the modern, acrobatic performer, Lucky the Leprechaun embodies the franchise's spirit of tenacity and luck. His presence at community initiatives, his high-flying antics, and his role in viral basketball lore ensure that he remains a beloved and highly valuable entity for the Boston Celtics organization, constantly proving that the "luck of the Irish" is alive and well in the NBA.