Spike Lee and Jack Nicholson: A Tribute to Superfans
In the vibrant history of the Los Angeles Lakers, when they dazzled audiences like nothing in Hollywood, one of the most iconic figures courtside was undoubtedly Jack Nicholson. Even from across the nation, the impact of his presence resonated with fans everywhere.
“Growing up, Jack Nicholson was my inspiration,” said filmmaker Spike Lee. “Watching him from the blue seats at Madison Square Garden, I dreamed that one day I could sit courtside like him.” Lee’s dream came true as he eventually secured front-row seats to cheer on his favorite team, the Knicks.
This weekend, both Lee and Nicholson will join the exclusive ranks of basketball’s Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone for the duo. Alongside actor Billy Crystal and businessman Alan Horwitz, they will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s James F. Goldstein SuperFan Gallery this Sunday. The ceremony takes place just hours before this year’s Hall of Fame class is enshrined in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The gallery, named after James F. Goldstein, a prominent figure in the NBA community known for attending around 100 games each year, honors fans for their deep passion and extensive knowledge about basketball. Established in 2018, the gallery honors individuals like actress Penny Marshall and die-hard Raptors supporter Nav Bhatia as well.
The Shared Experience of NBA Fans
Despite their celebrity status, these actors are quintessential fans who share the same passion as any spectator in the bleachers. “I represent all the dedicated fans of this sport we cherish,” Crystal said, reflecting on his long-standing commitment to the Los Angeles Clippers, a love that dates back to when the team was based in San Diego.
For true basketball enthusiasts like Lee, the experience is all about being present when their team truly needs them, regardless of where they sit in the arena.
For Lee, one unforgettable moment came on May 8, 1970. As a 13-year-old, he opted to attend Game 7 of the NBA Finals over missing his father’s concert. Even from a distance, he was thrilled to witness Willis Reed stepping onto the court despite his prior injuries, a moment he described as the loudest noise he has ever experienced, eclipsing even the World Series and the Super Bowl.
Billy Crystal’s Clippers Journey
The Knicks enjoyed championship glory in 1970 and 1973, but for Lee, the journey has been less fruitful since he became a season ticket holder after the team drafted Patrick Ewing in 1985. Alan Horwitz’s Philadelphia 76ers have also been mired in a drought, but neither team’s struggles can compare to Crystal’s Clippers, who have yet to capture a championship.
On the flip side, Nicholson joined the Lakers fanbase in the 1970s, but his journey was much brighter. The three-time Academy Award-winning actor would often shift his schedule just to be sitting courtside alongside the visiting bench for important Lakers games. He was there to witness the unforgettable moments, including the time the Lakers squandered a 24-point lead against the Celtics in Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals—a defeat he sensed coming as the Celtics made their comeback.
Celebrities and Their Impact on the Game
As one of the prominent artistic figures in the stands, Nicholson developed camaraderie with many players, including Doc Rivers, who later became the Clippers’ head coach. At a Clippers playoff game in 2015, ironically, Nicholson decided to check out a Clippers game, where his presence may not have helped as the team blew a significant lead, prompting Rivers to joke about him never returning to such games again.
At 87, Nicholson has since stepped away from the spotlight of Lakers games and is the only inductee not expected to attend this weekend’s Hall of Fame ceremony.
Spike Lee’s Fond Memories and Recognition
On the other hand, Spike Lee remains a permanent fixture at Madison Square Garden, often sporting a Knicks jersey—recently a Jalen Brunson one, replacing his cherished John Starks jersey. The Hall of Fame honor holds a personal significance for him, particularly due to the close relationships he has built with numerous NBA players through his filmmaking journey—from collaborating with Michael Jordan on commercials to creating films like “He Got Game.”
“I know many of these players, and it’s quite special when they come over to greet me, even those on opposing teams,” Lee reminisced, sharing laughs about how frequently Jordan would jokingly tell him to sit down to respect the game. However, not all interaction is conducive to his team’s success; Lee once faced criticism for igniting Reggie Miller during a pivotal Knicks playoff victory, not to mention the infamous incident where Kobe Bryant dropped 61 points motivated by a competitive banter with Lee.
As Lee reflected on this Hall of Fame recognition, he humorously remarked, “Using a bit of Brooklyn language, who would have thunk it?” His journey alongside icons like Jordan and Bryant is a testament to his unwavering passion for the sport of basketball.
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AP Sports Writer Steve Megargee in Milwaukee contributed to this report.
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