It was exceptionally challenging to disrupt Kobe Bryant ‘s confidence on the hardwood since his early days in the NBA. When the 6’6″ shooting guard was focused, it was nearly impossible to divert the spotlight away from him.
However, Hollywood actor Jack Nicholson achieved this rare feat when he totally hijacked the young Black Mamba’s pre-game interview during the latter’s first All-Star Game in 1998 and gave him a short piece of advice.
Nicholson’s advice to Kobe
NBA held the broadcasting rights for the event at that time, and announcer Jim Gray conducted a pre-game interview with Bryant, who was averaging 17.9 points per game in the season up to that point and was one of the four Lakers players in action.
As the 19-year-old Kobe discussed being both nervous and excited to finally share the stage with such esteemed talents, Nicholson unexpectedly intervened to request an autograph and humorously self-deprecate…