New Orleans basketball attracts movie stars

New Orleans Hornets match the Los Angeles Lakers in courtside celebrity star power

Published: Monday, April 09, 2012, 6:57 AM     Updated: Monday, April 09, 2012, 7:58 AM

 By Mark Lorando, The Times-Picayune 

Oh, sure. The Los Angeles Lakers have Jack Nicholson. And the New York Knicks have Spike Lee. But one of the most star-studded courtside seating sections in the NBA belongs to our own New Orleans Hornets.

EnlargeThe Times-PicayuneMICHAEL DEMOCKER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (in hat) enjoys a laugh while watching the game between the Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena on Wednesday April 4, 2012.New Orleans Hornets have star power in the stands gallery (19 photos)

An explosion of Hollywood South production activity has had a glittery side effect on the New Orleans Arena, which plays host to its Hollywood West counterparts Monday night.

Actors in town for movie shoots have begun making a habit of hanging out at Hornets home games, often as guests of Hornets chairman Jac Sperling or team president Hugh Weber.

Check out the photo gallery for a glimpse at a different kind of Hornets All-Star Team, featuring the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Ferrell, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Brooke Shields, Daryl Hannah, Jesse Eisenberg, Dylan McDermott, Zach Galifianakis and Jason Sudeikis.

Maybe someday, like Nicholson and Lee, a famous Hollywood South resident will buy courtside season tickets. Until then, ticket-goers will continue to count star-spotting among the Bees' coolest in-game entertainment options.

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