Celebrity fans aren't ever more present at an American sporting event than at a game hosted by the Los Angeles Lakers. Jack Nicholson has been a supporter of the team since the NBA Dog Days of the 1970's. It was a bleak landscape compared to the thriving one we witness now, and it was actually on the verge of extinction. Barely anybody was playing above the rim, cocaine was derailing the careers of promising players, the NBA didn't even merge with the ABA yet, and unathletic white guys were still a fairly common occurrence. The ship righted itself in the 1980's when Magic and Bird came along, then went supernova with the arrival of prime Michael Jordan. Jack has seen it all from LA's franchise from the lowlights to the high.
The three-time Academy Award winner is an undisputed legend in the acting world, but he isn't nearly the biggest star in Hollywood anymore. He's a walking legacy, respected by all, young and old. People with greater levels of fame and relevance sit courtside all the time at Staples Center. Last time I went I saw J.Cole and Jennifer Lopez sit down on the floor level to the tune of a roaring applause. Seeing those people is great and all, but something's different about Jack. When he sifts those comfy loafers across that purple and gold hardwood and saunters over to his courtside seat next to the opposing bench just READY to talk shit all game, he becomes the most beloved figure in the whole god damn building.
<grammarly-btn>Since he has been a season ticket holder since 1970, he has had the pleasure of witnessing every championship (starting with the first in 1971) since the franchise moved from Minneapolis to LA. He's such a mainstay at games that the stadium camera always pans to him during dead moments where they try to hype everyone up with those silly MAKE SOME NOOOOIIIIIIISE tactics. And there he is. Arms crossed and gut poking out. Usually next to family or another celebrity friend like Lou Adler.
<grammarly-btn>He actually makes his directors plan their shooting schedule around Laker home games. Can you imagine what it must've been like when he filmed the Departed with staunch Celtics supporters like co-stars Mark Wahlberg and Matt Damon? Jack and Leo vs. Mark Wahlberg and Matt Damon would've been a celebrity basketball shit-talk off that I would've paid to see. Legend has it that he banned all cast and crew members from wearing any Celtics paraphernalia even though it was a movie about Boston, taking place in the heart of Boston.
What is it about Jack's fandom that's so charming to us though? I think it's that he's out there living it up on the court like every obnoxious die-hard wishes they could. He's every man. He harasses the opposing bench that he sits right next to. He heckles the refs when they make calls to the detriment of the home team. He high fives the players when they are striding by after making a deep, game-deciding three. He will walk his ass onto the court during pivotal moments to berate referees because he just does not give a FUCK. Not everyone has the gusto to pull that off, even if you're famous. Imagine getting harassed by the curmudgeon that is Jack. If I was a referee, I might just have to reverse some calls.
When the Lakers have played poorly over the last five years, Jack has been visibly pissed. he still makes it out to games most of the time though, even though they've put out a poor product. Now that LeBron is here and we have a superstar back into the fold, I'm excited to see what the LeBron-Jack Nicholson interactions are going to look like! No way can I see him throwing up powder in the air to do the LeBron "witness" thing. That's not his style. I hope LeBron brings us back deep into the postseason so we can get a look at playoff Jack Nicholson rowdiness.
Who can replace the guy when that fateful day comes where he passes onto the next life? I don't think you can fill the void he left behind right away because he has built his relationship with the team and fans through the passing of time. The next person to come along will have to be tenured in a similar way that Jack was. The way I see it, I bet Leonardo DiCaprio can be that next Old Hollywood swaggery presence on the sidelines - but in 10-20 years. He'll have to forge his bond with time just like Jack did in the Forum and Staples.
It's hard to put the old man's presence at games into paragraphs, so I'll leave a few videos below that highlight the guy's hijinks. Enjoy!
Who is a famous fan that you love for your own team? Doesn't have to be basketball! And who do you think could replace Jack? Please share!
Top 10 NBA Celebrity Reactions (Jack Nicholson #1)
Jack Nicholson Kicked Maria Menounos Out Of A Lakers Game
Jack Nicholson Asks 19 Years Old Kobe Bryant for his Autograph
Fans chant "REFS YOU SUCK" feat. Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson Falls Asleep Mid-Game
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