Jack Nicholson courtside through the years photo gallery

Jack Nicholson and his former girlfriend, actress Lara Flynn Boyle, watch the Lakers play the Vancouver Grizzlies at Staples Center in 1999.  (Vince Bucci / AFP/Getty Images)

Jack Nicholson shouts at a referee during Game 6 of the 2004 Western Conference finals between the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers would go on to win the game before losing to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Jack Nicholson shows his courtside game face before a game against the San Antonio Spurs in 2007.  (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)

Jack Nicholson shares a laugh with Boston Celtics Coach Doc Rivers prior to the start of Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Utah guard Deron Williams crashes into Jack Nicholson during Game 5 of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Jack Nicholson does his part to support the Lakers during Game 1 of the 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Jack Nicholson points toward the Boston Celtics’ bench during Game 6 of the 2010 NBA Finals. The Lakers would go on to win the game before taking the title in Game 7.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Jack Nicholson, left, and actor Adam Sandler share a grin while watching the Lakers play the Cleveland Cavaliers in January.  (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

Former Lakers forward Lamar Odom of the Dallas Mavericks gets a standing ovation from Jack Nicholson and the Staples Center crowd during a game in January. Odom was playing against the Lakers for the first time since being traded to Dallas a month earlier.  (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)