Scandal-scarred actor Will Smith visited the Los Angeles Lakers’ training facility, where he shared words of wisdom with the underperforming team.
The visit is part of the NBA team’s Lakers’ Genius Talks series, which sees all kinds of celebrities imparting wisdom to the team and offer words of encouragement.
“Huge thank you to Will Smith, who joined the team to discuss strength through togetherness, and practicing gratitude in times of great challenge,” the team wrote on Instagram. “All themes in his forthcoming masterpiece film, ‘Collateral Beauty.’”
This isn’t the first time that Smith has tried to use his star power to boost a struggling team. In 2007, he gave a motivational speech to the Philadelphia Eagles before their game against the New England Patriots.
The Eagles went on to win that game 38-20. However, it’s unclear if Smith’s words will have the same effect on the Lakers, who are currently 2-13 and at the bottom of the Western Conference.
Smith is no stranger to controversy. He was hit with a 10-year ban from attending the Academy Awards after slapping host Chris Rock on stage during a skit in 2016.
The incident caused many to question whether or not Smith is still relevant in Hollywood. He is currently starring in the upcoming film “Collateral Beauty,” which is set for release on December 16. It remains to be seen if the film will be a success or not.
