L.A Lakers team announced that the team had a visit from Oscar winner Will Smith on Wednesday for their Genius Talk series. It’s an annual event for the team where celebrities will speak with them for inspiration.
The actor’s visit is important at this time because they are in the middle of a losing season. Smith was presented with Jersey No. 14 of the Lakers team before posing for a photo with the team.
The owner of the team, Jeanie Buss, and the general manager, Rob Pelinka, were present for the photo session. Then Will Smith talked about “strength through togetherness and practicing gratitude in times of great challenge” during his visit to L.A Lakers.
Will Smith Visits L.A Lakers for Genius Talk in the Middle of a Losing Season
L.A Lakers were the first to share the photo from Will Smith’s visit and motivational session. His message was said to be gotten from “themes in his forthcoming masterpiece film, Emancipation.”
The actor also posted the snaps on his Instagram and wrote:
“Gave a sneak peek of #Emancipation to the @lakers and had a GREAT convo about the film for their Genius Series… big thanx to everyone who came thru!! Next stop… my @sixers.”
The trailer for the film was released by Apple Original Films earlier this month. In the short clip, Smith played Peter, a character who escaped slavery and set out in search of freedom.
Before Will Smith’s visit to L.A Lakers for the Genius talk, he previewed the movie with some costars. He also explained the theme of the movie and its message earlier this month.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, the actor disclosed that he had turned down many “slavery” themed movies. However, Smith explained that Emancipation isn’t about slavery. According to him, it’s a film about freedom, resilience, faith, and the heart of man.
Emancipation is Will Smith’s first movie after he slapped Chris Rock in front of a live audience at the 94th Academy Awards. He has since apologized to the comic, who hasn’t really said much about it since then.
