Jack Nicholson to wave green flag at Indianapolis 500

Even if the Lakers-Suns series goes seven games, the teams have Sunday off -- enough of a break for Jack Nicholson  to wave the green flag at this year's Indianapolis 500.

The 73-year-old actor and die-hard Lakers fan on Wednesday was named the honorary starter of the legendary race, which typically draws more than 200,000 spectators at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race starts at 10 a.m. PDT on Sunday.

"We look forward to welcoming him to Indianapolis and watching him wave the green flag," track president Jeff Belskus said in a statement.

Defending winner Helio Castroneves won the pole position for this year's race and will lead the 33-car field past Nicholson to start the 200-lap event.

--Jim Peltz

Photo:Actor Jack Nicholson during a Lakers playoff game with the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on April 20. Credit: Noel Vasquez / Getty Images