Most basketball fans are aware of Jack Nicholson’s affinity for the Los Angeles Lakers, as he sits courtside for the majority of their important games. However, they may be curious about the mysterious woman who is often sitting next to him.
As far as we can tell, Nicholson and the woman have no connection, but they’ve most likely crossed paths through their cheering and fandom over the years. The mysterious woman we see at Lakers games is Yori Saneyoshi, the daughter of a rich Japanese oil magnate.
For those unaware, Jack Nicholson is a retired actor and filmmaker. He is one of our generation’s best actors, and he utilizes his fame and fortune to sit courtside at Lakers games. Nicholson has appeared in several historical films, including One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, As Good as It Gets, Terms of Endearment, Easy Rider, A Few Good Men, The Departed, and Batman.
Nicholson has won three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Film Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and one Grammy. He also earned the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award in 1994 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2001.
Jack Nicholson and the LA Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) rushes by after hitting a basket as film actor Jack Nicholson reacts during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center.
Nicholson is a lifelong supporter of the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been a Lakers season ticket holder since 1970, when he purchased courtside seats near to the opposing benches at The Forum.
He continued to buy those tickets when they relocated to the Staples Center and became a frequent attendee. Nicholson is well-known for clashing with referees and other players, and he has received criticism for occasionally walking onto the court.
Nicholson was nearly ejected from a playoff game in 2003 for shouting at a referee, the only reported incident. However, many referees over the years were certainly hoping to kick him out of Staples Center.
Nicholson’s attendance at games was inconsistent beginning in 2021, but he made a memorable appearance at a 2023 playoff game for the first time in two years.
Who is Yori Saneyoshi?
Saneyoshi is the daughter of an affluent Japanese oil magnate. She may be unknown to the general public, but she has been a regular at Los Angeles Lakers games for the past 50 years. She has been with the team through all of its ups and downs, but she particularly appreciated the Showtime Lakers era, which featured Kobe Bryant and Shaq, as well as LeBron James’ stint.
Saneyoshi’s seats are constantly three spaces apart from Nicholson’s, although they do not appear to be acquainted. Saneyoshi’s manner suggests that she is not the most social person, thus it’s possible that she and Nicholson never met.
Saneyoshi’s strategy while watching the game is best described as indifferent. She rarely stands up to cheer, clap, or express passion. Saneyoshi sits silently at every Lakers game and cheers on her team.
Yori Saneyoshi frequently sits close to the former Director of Lakers Public Relations. It’s unclear, but they’re probably buddies or acquaintances thanks to Saneyoshi’s five-decade-long support for the squad.
Celebrities sitting courtside are nothing new for big-market teams. Two well-known NBA fans are Jack Nicholson from the Los Angeles Lakers and Spike Lee from the New York Knicks. It’s amusing that a relatively unknown woman is drawing notice as a Lakers mainstay.
