Rapper Pharrell Williams, right, performs with N.E.R.D during halftime of an NBA All-Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Stars came out for Hollywood’s NBA All-Star Game, but the weekend belonged to Hollywood blockbuster “Black Panther.”
Actor and noted Lakers fan Jack Nicholson, rapper Snoop Dogg, singer Rihanna and comedian Chris Rock were among the many celebrities sitting courtside.
Late night host Jimmy Kimmel, “Black-ish” actor Anthony Anderson, New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr., rapper Chance the Rapper and director Spike Lee were also in attendance at Staples Center, and basketball greats Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West and Bill Russell all sat together.
However, it was the latest Marvel superhero film which debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. and Canada with a record-breaking weekend haul of $192 million that made its presence best known during the NBA’s showcase event.
Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo delivered a thunderous jam while wearing a Black Panther mask he received from the film’s star Chadwick Boseman during the slam dunk contest on Saturday night. It wasn’t enough for Oladipo to advance to the finals, but the first-time all-star was thrilled to show his love for his favorite superhero.
“I’ve seen the movie already,” Oladipo said. “It was nothing short of amazing.”
Team Stephen was leading Team LeBron 100-97 late in the third quarter.