Whether as a stand-up comedian or Hollywood presence ("George Lopez," "Lopez Tonight"), George Lopez has served with great pride as an entertainment industry voice for the Latino community. He's also a native Angeleno and a huge Lakers fan often found at Staples Center watching Kobe and the gang. Lopez will be performing concerts Friday and Saturday at the Nokia Theater L.A. Live as part of his "That's the America I live in" tour. An accompanying TV special "George Lopez: It's Not Me, It's You" can be seen on HBO on the 14th.
Jeff Daly/PictureGroup/AP ImagesLopez likely made the same face upon hearing the news about Nash.
We spoke with Lopez on Tuesday about a wide range of topics. The show can be heard by clicking on the module and below is a breakdown of talking points:
- (1:00): Lopez is very excited at the prospect of Steve Nash donning purple and gold, even if the acquisition means an inevitable price hike for those, like him, who reside in the courtside seats. Hey, somebody's gotta pick up that tab, right?
- (4:50): Lopez explains the title "It's Not Me, It's You," a bold celebration of passing the buck.
- (6:15): Freddie Prinze and especially Richard Pryor (described as "the Buddha of all comics") were big influences on Lopez as he developed his stand-up style.
- (7:25): Similar to Rocky Balboa in "Rocky III," Lopez must work hard to maintain an edge as his career has grown more successful.
- (9:50): How does a comic define the difference between avoiding political correctness and actually crossing the line?
- (12:39): Our disappointment upon learning Lopez isn't actually friends with iconic pro wrestler Pedro Morales was quickly replaced by excitement upon learning he is actually friends with iconic -- and masked -- wrestler Mil Mascaras! He's even seen the grappler without his mask, which was ultimately kind of a bummer.