NBA stars are no strangers to the spotlight and entertaining fans worldwide with incredible performances, so it’s no surprise many have branched out to land supporting or even leading roles in blockbuster motion pictures.
As pilot Roger Murdock in the 1980 satirical comedy classic "Airplane," Kareem Abdul-Jabbar delivers an inspiring, show-stealing performance as a co-pilot, Michael Jordan teams up with Looney Tunes characters in the timeless “Space Jam,” and Kings Minority Owner Shaquille O’Neal’s cinematic credits include top billing as a rapping genie in “Kazaam."
Take a look at several noteworthy big-screen cameos by Kings players with SAG cards, as Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Olden Polynice and more bring their charm, charisma and acting chops to Hollywood movies sets.
Olden Polynice and Walt Williams – "Eddie" (1996)
Over 50 NBA stars are featured in the comedy chronicling Coach Eddie Franklin’s (Whoopi Goldberg) miraculous N.Y. Knicks turnaround, and Polynice delivers both humor and insight in his extended scene.The Kings center expertly explains the scientific phenomena of a black hole before calmly draining a free throw, as teammate Walt Williams is among the players who stare in disbelief. IMDB.com also credits Mitch Richmond, Brian Grant, Tyus Edney, Duane Causwell and Randy Brown for their momentary on-screen appearances.
Chris Webber, Gerald Wallace and Reggie Theus – "Like Mike" (2001)
Calvin Cambridge (Lil’ Bow Wow Shad Moss) transforms into an NBA superstar for the fictional L.A. Knights after donning a pair of mystical sneakers, earning admiration and lighthearted ridicule from the League’s biggest names. When asked about the 4-foot-8 phenom in a pre-game interview with former Kings All-Star and coach Reggie Theus – who co-stars as the overly enthusiastic Knights TV announcer –Webber jokes, “I got dogs bigger than that at my house,” before overpowering Cambridge on a drive to the basket.
Vlade Divac – "Juwanna Mann" (2002)
Familiar with L.A.’s movie glamour, Divac also made brief cameos in "Space Jam" and "Eddie" – as well as an episode of "Married with Children" – during his Lakers tenure. Most memorably, No. 21 portrays Morse on the fictional Charlotte Beat, and amusingly defends star teammate Jamal Jefferies’ (Miguel A.Núñez, Jr.) ejection for on-court stripping. “I don’t know what the big deal is,” Divac deadpans to a reporter. “I mean, we are all born naked. I like to be naked. Don’t you like being naked?”