Will Smith Connects With The Lakers For "Emancipation" Screening

BY Erika Marie 1450 Views
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He says his next stop is to host a preview for the Sixers.

For the bulk of the year, the future of Will Smith's career was heavily debated. For decades, he has been known as the squeaky-clean rapper who evolved from being everyone's favorite Fresh Prince from Philly to an actor with a blemish-free career. That all came to a screeching halt earlier this year when he slapped Chris Rock on the Oscars stage, and even after issuing several apologies, Smith faced ridicule.

It is unclear where he currently stands with Rock, but after remaining out of the spotlight for months, Smith is ushering in a new season. The entertainment icon has been offering private viewings of his upcoming film Emancipation, and his famous friends have eagerly accepted his invitations.

We recently reported on Smith posing alongside the likes of Rihanna, Tyler Perry, A$AP Rocky, and others as that group received elite Emancipation treatment. In a more recent update, Smith has also connected with the Los Angeles Lakers for yet another preview of his Apple film.

The Oscar winner uploaded a photo that showed himself with the team, as well as owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka. Smith was presented with a No. 14 jersey and in the caption to his post, he suggested that L.A.'s squad wouldn't be the only one he would visit in upcoming days.

"Gave a sneak peek of #Emancipation to the @lakers and had a GREAT convo about the film for their Genius Series," Smith wrote. "Big thanx to everyone who came thru!! Next stop… my @sixers."

Over on the Lakers' official Instagram page, they, too, shared the image and added, "Huge thank you to Will Smith, who joined the team to discuss strength through togetherness, and practicing gratitude in times of great challenge. All themes in his forthcoming masterpiece film, Emancipation."

The film will be Smith's first return to the screen since his scandal, so reactions to Emancipation's arrival are being followed closely—especially considering this was shelved following his Academy Awards controversy.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.