Follow us on Google Discover Spider-Man star Jacob Batalon spoke about finding inspiration from D’Angelo Russell during the audition process for him to play Ned Leeds alongside Tom Holland.
Batalon was in the audition process to land the role of Ned Leeds in the Spider-Man franchise during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2015-16 season, which would mark the final year of Kobe Bryant’s legendary career.
The season had not gone well, and Batalon, a huge Lakers fan, took it as a sign that his audition wouldn’t go well either. However, one unexpected star turned the team’s fortunes around, and did the same for Batalon’s expectations.
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty ImagesJacob Batalon claims seeing D’Angelo Russell lead LA Lakers during Kobe Bryant’s injury inspired him
Speaking on the Zach Sang Show, Spider-Man: Brand New Day star Jacob Batalon reflected on his audition process for the role of Ned Leeds in 2016.
Batalon recalled watching an LA Lakers game during the 2015-16 season and being inspired by D’Angelo Russell’s game-winning heroics, that he would land the role in the franchise.
“I’m a Lakers fan. I remember, this was the game that was on. We hadn’t won… It’s been a couple of years since Kobe had gone down with the Achilles.
“I remember I was in my hotel room, watching this game. It was a rookie, D’Angelo Russell, and they won the game! And I was like, ‘Oh my god, this might be a sign that I might get this job!’”
While Batalon did end up landing the role of Ned Leeds, D’Angelo Russell did not become the superstar many fans had hoped he would with the Los Angeles Lakers, despite having two stints with the team.
Jacob Batalon also shows love to the New York Knicks
Speaking further during the podcast appearance, Batalon also showed support for the New York Knicks, the home team of his character, Ned Leeds.
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“But also, I love the Knicks too, shoutout to the Knicks. They let me sit courtside all the time!”
As a key figure in the Spider-Man universe in New York, Batalon has to show love to the Knicks, given that they are the team Spider-Man and his friends will support.
Balancing allegiances between the Knicks and the Lakers, two of the most popular teams in the NBA based in two of the biggest media markets in the world, is a difficult task.
Batalon must find a way to keep his love for both teams intact, even if they somehow find themselves on opposite ends of the court next June during the NBA Finals.
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