The Los Angeles Lakers are back in the NBA playoffs, and a wave of celebrities like Jack Nicholson and Adele have returned to the Crypto.com Arena to testify.
Figuring out which celebrities are in attendance for live sporting events can be almost as entertaining as the games themselves (especially if you’re not a sports fan), and no team has done as well as Hollywood’s hometown ball club. Has not attracted many famous participants. Since the “Showtime” era of the 1980s, actors, musicians, and reality stars have treated Laker games like an unofficial, nationally televised catwalk, sitting in both the Forum and the Arena, which had previously been held in some of the world’s largest venues. Viewing was known as the Staples Center. Best Athlete Class Closed.
But ever since NBA superstar LeBron James signed with the Lakers in 2018, celebs have been unable to enjoy the purple and gold during the NBA playoffs, where the lights are at their brightest and media attention is at its peak. Whether it was due to security restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic or the Lakers not being good enough to make the playoffs, the Crypto.com Arena hasn’t welcomed fans after Lakers games for quite some time.
Although this year is different. The Lakers are good, COVID restrictions have been lifted and celebrities are returning in droves to take on their beloved team the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA postseason.
Most notably, in keeping with his reclusive nature as of late, Jack Nicholson was in the building for Game 6 on Friday night, returning to his usual courtside spot (though without his usual sunglasses). Nicholson has been a proud Lakers season-ticket holder since 1970.
Check out this compilation of some of the NBA stars at Friday night’s game, including Larry David, “Red Hot Chili Peppers” bassist Flea, Adele (the girlfriend of LeBron James’ longtime agent Rich Paul) and Dr. Dre. to Nicholson.
Other celebs spotted at Lakers home games during the series included Kim Kardashian, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Jason Bateman and Will Arnett.
The Lakers won their series against the Grizzlies on Friday, advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals. Who knows who else may appear in Krypto as the light shines even brighter for the team.