Jack Nicholson First Met Kobe Bryant at New York’s Madison Square Garden

Lakers Superfan Jack Nicholson talked about his friend Kobe Bryant.

Jack Nicholson was heartbroken over the loss of friend Kobe Bryant, who tragically died in a helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna, and nine other people.

“My reaction is the same as almost all of LA,” the 82-year-old actor told CBS Los Angeles.

“Where we think everything’s solid, there’s a big hole in the wall. I was used to seeing and talking to Kobe that … it kills you. It’s just a terrible event.“

The Oscar winner recalled meeting Bryant at Madison Square Garden in New York.

“I teased him the first time we met. I offered him a basketball and asked him if he wanted me to autograph it for him,” the actor joked.

“He looked at me like I was crazy.”

Nicholson was often seen cheering on Bryant from his courtside seats at the Staples Center.

“I sat right behind his jump shot on the left-hand side. I can see him going up and I can tell the first instant if it’s going in,” he said.

“We’ll think of him all the time and we’ll miss him. He was just one of those touched people.”