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'The Legend is back': Fans over the moon as Jack Nicholson seen courtside at Lakers game

Jack Nicholson was back at his favorite courtside seat to cheer for the LA Lakers at the Crypto.com arena during the game on April 28

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jack Nicholson, 86, is back at a Los Angeles Lakers’ game and the internet can’t keep calm. Friday, April 28’s playoff Game 6 of the Lakers against Memphis Grizzlies saw the iconic actor back at the courtside, albeit after more than one-and-a-half years.

According to Showtime’s Rachel Nichols, 'The Shining’ actor was seen cheering for the Lakers, “first time since last season’s opening night,” on October 19, 2021. The three-time Oscar winner was accompanied by his son, Ray, and his grandson, Duke, at the Crypto.com arena. However, his old friend and fellow Lakers supporter, Lou Adler, was not there on the stand, according to Deadline.

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The 'Batman' star's return was celebrated by all, including the Lakers who took to their social media to post a photo of Nicholson with the caption, "Game 6: Jack's Back."

‘He doesn't want to face reality anymore’

According to a report published by Radar Online in January, many of ‘The Departed’ actor’s close friends believed he had dementia. He was last seen on the big screen for 2010's ‘How Do You Know’ with Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson. "He's made it clear his home is his castle. But people just wish he'd come out of the house and pop up to tell them how — or at least reassure folks he's OK," an insider told the news outlet. 

Sources added that Nicholson lived like a recluse in his Mulholland Drive mansion. "Jack's in touch with certain relatives — especially Ray, his protégé, who he's so proud of — but his socializing days are long gone," they said. 

Drawing comparisons to Nicholson’s neighbor and friend, Marlon Brando, sources told the outlet, "Brando died a virtual recluse after leading such a colorful life, and Jack's friends are drawing the comparisons," adding, "His kids will visit, but they're his only connection to the world. It's like he doesn't want to face reality anymore — and that's just sad."

'I didn’t realize how much I needed to see this'

Fans could not keep calm as this was a rare sighting of their beloved star. One commented, "If Jack Nicholson coming back to watch the Lakers courtside doesn't move your heart, I suppose nothing ever will." The second said, "Welcome back Jack! Hope your presence gives the lakers the push they need." The third fan said, "Yes, the Legend is back where I use to see him."

However, fans were concerned about his health too. One fan remarked, "Damn he doesn’t not look like he’s doing great :/". The second fan, however, commented, "He wanted to let others know he’s fine and doing well. He looks great for 85!" The third commented about his health, "Great to see him out there m, even if he isn’t well he’s looking good and hopefully enjoying himself. The OG Joker."

One fan made a heart-warming cooment as they said, "Dude needs a statue outside the arena with him sitting in his seat with empty seat on each side so fans can take pics with him forever. #makeithappen." Another chimed in, "When Jack is gone,the @Lakers need to gold plate that seat, put his name on it and leave it empty for the remainder of time. #GOAT."

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