From "The Shining" to courtside: Revisiting Jack Nicholson's love affair with the Lakers alongside Duke Nicholson

    Jack Nicholson returns to a Lakers game after nearly two years, accompanied by grandson Duke Nicholson, capturing a heartwarming family moment amidst Hollywood stars and an iconic Lakers win.

    Jack Nicholson in 'The Shining' (1980) (Source: IMDB)

    Jack Nicholson in 'The Shining' (1980) (Source: IMDB)

    After nearly two years, the unmistakable aura of Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson graced the Crypto.com Arena once again. It was during the Los Angeles Lakers' high-octane match against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 28th that the 86-year-old actor made his comeback. The nostalgia didn't end there. By his side were two generations of Nicholsons: his son, Ray, and the focus of our today's throwback, his grandson, Duke Nicholson.

    From the glitz of Hollywood to the roar of the crowd

    Jack Nicholson (Source: Esquire)

    Wearing a striking ensemble of burgundy pants, a black shirt topped with a navy blazer, and his characteristic black sunglasses, Nicholson's presence was both an ode to Hollywood's golden era and a testament to his undying love for the Lakers. Amidst the flash of cameras and the cacophony of the game, one couldn't miss the cherished moments between Jack and Duke, a visual that transported many back to times when Jack's cheering was as iconic as the game itself.

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    Game 6 saw the Lakers emerging victorious, steamrolling the Grizzlies with a dominating score of 125-85. But the allure of the night wasn't just the game. It became a congregation of who's who of Hollywood. From Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, global singing sensation Adele with her beau Rich Paul, to the legendary Dr. Dre - the stadium buzzed with celebrities. A particularly touching moment was caught when Larry David and Nicholson exchanged greetings, bringing together two giants of entertainment in one frame.

    But perhaps the highlight of the night was a candid exchange between the NBA superstar LeBron James and Nicholson. The two shared a brief but heartwarming embrace, a meeting of titans from the worlds of cinema and sports.

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    The Lakers' official Twitter handle summed up the sentiments of millions: "Game 6: Jack's Back."

    Bonding over hoops: The Nicholson legacy

    Nicholson's loyalty to the Lakers is well-known. Having held a season ticket since 1970, he's been a constant figure, celebrating and groaning with every rise and fall of the team. But the evening brought forth another revelation about the Nicholson legacy. Duke Nicholson, in a chat with The Hollywood Reporter in December 2019, unveiled a slice of their relationship. While acting might not be their go-to topic, sports surely is. Duke shared that watching sports, especially the Lakers' matches, was their bonding ritual.

    As the lights dimmed at the Crypto.com Arena, the evening wasn't just about a game won or the plethora of celebrities. It was a touching reminder of family ties, Hollywood legacies, and the undying charm of Jack Nicholson, made all the more special with Duke Nicholson by his side.

    (Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)