It’s difficult to complain about anything involving the NBA Playoffs this season.
We’ve seen heroics from superstars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, the reemergence of Avery Johnson’s Dallas Mavericks, the usual dominance of Tim Duncan and the Spurs, as well as the fabulous starting five for the Detroit Pistons.
We’ve seen the demise and return to dominance of Shaquille O’Neal in a single series as well as the coming out party for the Bulls’ Andres Nocioni in that same series.
Plus, the lovable, once laughable Clippers are in the second round. I personally can’t wait to see what happens in the upcoming month with so many intriguing matchups.
One thing I certainly won’t miss, however, is Jack Nicholson’s presence on the sidelines of Lakers’ games. The well-known actor has been a Lakers’ season ticket holder for what seems like forever. And, over the years, he’s successfully blurred the line between fan and participant.
In my NBA TV-watching career, I don’t recall many Lakers’ games when Nicholson’s mug wasn’t shown at least every three commercial breaks. During a Laker run, announcers say “Jack approves.” During a Laker drought, it’s “Jack is dismayed.” Sports Illustrated recently showed a picture of Nicholson at a game and the caption noted that Kobe’s act still excites Nicholson.
Why should we care what Nicholson thinks? He’s a great actor and a great fan of basketball, so let’s leave it at that. Generally, I’m a fan of celebrities faithfully enjoying the NBA, but not when they reach the point where they actual become larger than the game itself.
Take for example Thursday’s Game 6 against the Suns. As if trying to impose his will and duplicate a magical Game 4 comeback victory, Nicholson, in his patented black shades, waved his fingers at Bryant in the waning moments of the game. Kobe eventually missed the shot and the Suns won the game as well as the series a few nights later.
Following Game 6, the Suns’ Tim Thomas was asked about Nicholson’s finger waving.
“Yeah, we saw him. It was hilarious. And you know, he got us once, but we got him back,” Thomas said.
No, Tim, Jack didn’t get you. It was Kobe who got you in Game 4 to the tune of 24 points, including two that sent the game into overtime and two more that won it.
Sarcastically, I know it can be difficult for Thomas and others to distinguish Nicholson from a spectator and contributor when he is more recognizable at a Laker game than Smush Parker is.
The unnecessary media attention aside, the league must draw the line when Nicholson, and others like him such as Spike Lee with the Knicks, converse with players, coaches and referees during games.
Would Jack get away with this stuff if he wasn’t Jack? I’d argue, probably not.
Good thing he’ll be fishing in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

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