Hollywood: titanic director

The 2000 NBA Finals pitted the Los Angeles Lakers against the Indiana Pacers. 

In the first four games, the Lakers dominated with a 3-1 lead, putting them one win away from the championship. 

Game 5 took place at the Pacers' home court, Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Unfortunately for the Lakers, Kobe Bryant had an off night—shooting just 4 out of 20 for a measly 8 points. 

In the end, the Lakers got crushed by over 30 points, bringing the series score to 3-2. 

But after that loss, the local LA papers weren't full of criticism. Instead, they brimmed with anticipation! 

Most people figured the Lakers had thrown the away game on purpose—they wanted to clinch the title at home. 

Game 6 was set for the Lakers' home turf, the Staples Center. 

Basketball isn't exactly a big deal in the U.S., especially among the elite. Aside from Michael Jordan, it's often met with a bit of disdain—an attitude of "those overly athletic guys running around." But when the big screen caught two familiar faces whispering sweetly to each other, the crowd erupted in cheers. 

Turns out, the famous director Dunn Walker was a Lakers fan! 

Seeing Dunn and his girlfriend Natalie in the home team's VIP seats filled the Lakers faithful with a mix of pride and joy. 

Dunn grinned, and together with Natalie, they took off their sunglasses, stood up, and waved to the fans behind them. Natalie flashed a dazzling smile and even blew a kiss. 

In an instant, the Staples Center's energy surged into a fever pitch. 

The game hadn't even started, but the home crowd's excitement had already set the arena ablaze. With that kind of vibe, it felt like the Lakers winning the title at home was a done deal. 

"Hey, Director Walker? What an honor! I didn't know you were a Lakers fan too!" 

A gruff, lively voice caught Dunn's ear. 

His heart skipped a beat. Feeling Natalie gently link her arm with his, he knew who it was—the main event had arrived! 

Yep, it was none other than Jack Nicholson, a legend of Hollywood's acting scene! 

At 63, the old guy had gray hair and a thicker waistline, but his sharp eyes and sturdy frame showed he was still in great shape. 

And Jack Nicholson? He's a die-hard Lakers fan—honored by the team with the title of "Lifetime Honorary Fan." Two seats in the Staples Center are permanently reserved just for him! 

"Hey there, Mr. Nicholson!" 

Dunn quickly extended both hands, greeting him like a respectful junior. As for the young woman next to Jack… she looked like an actress, but Dunn didn't recognize her. Despite his age, the old man's personal life was just as colorful as Dunn's. 

Natalie gave a graceful little curtsy and smiled. "Mr. Nicholson, it's been a while. You're still looking so fit!" 

Jack Nicholson, a veteran of the movie world, had a soft spot for talented young folks—especially since they all shared a love for the Lakers. 

"Miss Portman, it's been a few years! You've grown taller—and prettier!" Jack teased with a chuckle. "And you've snagged yourself a Hollywood hotshot boyfriend. Director Walker's no small catch!" 

Natalie smiled shyly. "Mr. Nicholson, you're too kind. You're the legend here—just call me Nat, and him Dunn." 

Jack didn't stand on ceremony. He clapped Dunn on the shoulder. "So, what do you think—Lakers taking it?" 

"No doubt about it!" Dunn said confidently. "It's my first time watching a game at Staples, and I'm pretty sure I'll bring the team some good luck." 

Jack laughed. "Let's hope so! Strength-wise, two Pacers teams couldn't touch the Lakers. Shame about Game 2, though—Kobe got banged up, and it's thrown him off a bit." 

Dunn shrugged casually. "Even if Kobe's off, we've still got our big man in the middle! At home, we'll show 'em what the Big Shark can do!" 

Jack roared with laughter. 

Natalie shot Dunn a surprised glance—she hadn't expected him to actually know basketball. 

Five minutes later, the game tipped off, and the arena filled with applause, boos, and cheers in waves. 

Dunn could follow the game just fine, but he wasn't really a Lakers fan. He was there mostly to cozy up to Jack Nicholson—and, well, to catch the "K-Combo" in action live. 

Natalie, though? She was struggling. Sunglasses on, interest fading—she winced and shut her eyes every time the players collided. 

It was so rough! 

Football had pads, but basketball? Just shorts and short sleeves—weren't they scared of getting hurt? 

Speaking of injuries, the Lakers' second star, Kobe Bryant, was clearly still hampered. His shots weren't falling—his shooting percentage barely hit 30%. 

But he kept attacking the rim, racking up points from the free-throw line. 

Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal was a monster on the court. The Pacers' defense couldn't handle him—nothing like the Western teams they'd faced. Double-teams flopped, the paint was wide open, and forget fronting him. Once the ball hit Shaq's hands, it was game over! 

By halftime, Shaq had 18 points and 7 rebounds, leading the Lakers to a 7-point edge over the Pacers. The championship felt within reach! 

During the break, the Staples Center turned into a party. The home cheerleaders danced with extra pep, radiating youthful energy. 

It'd been 12 long years since the Lakers last won a title. This season, they'd shelled out big bucks for "Zen Master" Phil Jackson, built the fearsome "K-Combo," and stacked the bench with talent—all gunning for the championship! 

Jack Nicholson was buzzing. While Phil Jackson huddled with the team, Jack even got up, waving his arms and giving the players a pep talk. Dunn, sitting farther back, could still hear him urging them to push harder and seal the deal. 

Phil said a few words, and Jack reluctantly shuffled back. 

No surprise there—he'd been a Lakers nut for over 30 years. Back when the team was struggling, he'd even threatened to buy them and coach them to a title himself! 

When he returned, Jack noticed Dunn and Natalie chatting calmly, showing none of the excitement you'd expect from fans on the verge of a championship. A flicker of confusion crossed his mind. 

"Dunn, you…" 

Jack hesitated, unsure how to phrase it. He'd already clocked it—Dunn wasn't a Lakers fan. During the game, he clapped and cheered for great plays from both teams, not just the home side. 

Dunn caught his pause and smiled lightly. "Jack, been in any movies lately?" 

Jack caught the hint and gave him a knowing look. "I did one earlier this year—Sean Penn's *The Pledge*. It's slated for January next year." 

"So you've got some free time now?" Dunn asked with a grin. 

Jack's pulse quickened. His earlier hunch solidified, and he felt a mix of surprise and admiration. 

No wonder this kid had made such a name for himself so young. No wonder old-timers like Coppola and Lucas sang his praises. 

He really knew how to play the game! 

Normally, a producer like Dunn would just send a script through Jack's agency. 

But here was Dunn—Hollywood's hottest producer, studio head, and director—acting like a respectful junior. Not even a Lakers fan, yet showing up at Staples to build a connection. 

That kind of sincerity could win over anyone in Hollywood. 

Jack took a deep breath, his expression steady. "Dunn, I get what you're after. Tell me about the role." 

Dunn locked eyes with him. "A character like the Joker in *Batman* or Jack Torrance in *The Shining*." 

"A villain?" 

Jack glanced at Dunn, falling silent.

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