Jack Nicholson steps out in public for Lakers playoffs

Jack’s back! Oscar winner, Hollywood bad boy and Lakers superfan Jack Nicholson stepped out and took his rightful place courtside during Friday night’s playoff game. While the Lakers wiped the boards with the Memphis Grizzlies, the real draw was the appearance of Nicholson, who hasn’t been to a game since 2021.

The moment was captured on video, showing Jack Nicholson and his son taking their seats at the Lakers game to much fanfare and a genuine “Welcome back!” Many have pointed out that Nicholson has a pair of binoculars around his neck, which might seem odd considering he’s two inches from the action, but come on, these are Lakers Girls!

Jack Nicholson’s outing to cheer on the Lakers in their 125-85 victory should shut up all of those who expressed a sort of faux-concern when a recent paparazzi video showed him looking “disheveled” at his home. It was easy and tasteless fodder, but now even genuine fans should see there is little to mock, as not only was Nicholson moving around, but was looking pretty lively throughout the night, posing for photos and acting jovial–not bad for marking his 86th birthday just this month. Jack Nicholson has been a Lakers season ticket holder since 1970, when they made their 13th NBA Finals appearance. Nicholson is such a die-hard fan that he would reportedly have his shooting schedules and public appearances work around games. He would frequently be seen with producer Lou Adler, although he was not present on Friday.

The night was clearly a celebration, with Jack Nicholson being acknowledged by fellow Lakers fan Larry David and four-time NBA champ LeBron James (only once with L.A.), in addition to being treated to a special jumbotron highlight reel of some of his most iconic roles, like Jack Torrance in The Shining and The Joker in Batman.

Nicholson’s last movie appearance was 2010’s How Do You Know, capping off a legendary career that began in 1958. With the Lakers headed to round two, Jack Nicholson has even more reason to be happy in retirement. Now if we can just get him back to the Academy Awards!