The NBA has had many famous names grace the arenas of various different franchises. However, only a few celebrities can be associated with a particular franchise or player. The first name that pops to mind is that of Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson. He has been a staple at Los Angeles Lakers games since the 1970s. Another one is Spike Lee. The New York Knicks superfan can be seen cheering on the team from his courtside seats. However, that wasn’t always the case as he had to wait years to get courtside season tickets. Probably getting associated with Michael Jordan helped his case.

In a resurfaced interview from 1988, Lee can be seen asking for help to get the ‘Jack Nicholson treatment’. After revealing that he received help from MJ for a commercial, he opened up about blocking Jordan’s dunk during a shoot. In typical Jordan style, ‘His Airness’ replied by dunking on Lee harder as the shoot progressed. Lee said, “The next eight takes, he threw it down harder each time and so I had a bruised chest by the time we finished that day.”

Spike Lee wanted the Jack Nicholson treatment

Lee went on to reveal his love for the Knicks and how he had been a season ticket holder for three years. “For three years I’ve had season tickets but I’m still not down on the floor. I ain’t got the Jack Nicholson seats yet,” Lee said disappointedly.

Nicholson can be seen enjoying Lakers games from his famous front-row seats. Lee mentioned that fact as he wanted to move from his own seat to the front row. After the interviewer suggested that they’ll need to talk to people in power to make that happen, Lee said, “I need any help I can get, please.”

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Lee’s wish was eventually fulfilled as he has been a front-row staple at Madison Square Garden for a long time now.

Michael Jordan isn’t the only famous NBA star associated with Lee

Lee’s love for basketball has obviously helped him build relationships with various NBA stars over the years. MJ and Lee got close due to commercials and other shoots. He has also been involved in spats with opposing players like his infamous incident with Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller.

Lee, Nicholson, and other celebrities have proved that fame has nothing to do with showing love to your favorite teams.

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Let’s hope more celebrities can come up who show a passion for their cities or teams.