‘Bill Walton’ Talks Lebron, Lakers Playoffs, Grateful Dead, John Mayer & More In Hilarious ‘SNL’ Parody

Saturday Night Live took aim at famed basketball player and commentator Bill Walton as part of this weekend’s episode of the long-running late-night sketch comedy program. Walton was played by SNL cast member James Austin Johnson and his appearance on “Weekend Update” included references not only to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers’ chances of making the playoffs but also to the Grateful Dead as well as Dead & Company guitarist John Mayer.

Musically, Bill Walton is known for his love of the Grateful Dead and offshoot bands, while as an analyst the “spiritual nomad” often works eccentric musings into his commentary. “Weekend Update” host Michael Che brought out “Walton” in an attempt to get his perspective on Lakers’ odds of reaching the post-season. Che noticed “Walton” seemed to be calling a game while appearing on “Weekend Update.” The analyst revealed he was discussing a contest “that takes place next Wednesday” based on flashes his spirit guide — a headless Babylonian Priestess — sends him.

JAJ’s Bill Walton wouldn’t answer Che’s questions about the Lakers directly and eventually spoke about his favorite band. “What we now call paradise started as a megafauna boneyard but his spirit its carried on just like the Grateful Dead carried on when they brought in the noodler of nations, John Mayer, a poet whose only colleagues are the planets themselves,” the tie-dye t-shirt wearing “Bill Walton” told Che.

Watch the full segment below:

The real Bill Walton took to Instagram to issue a response to the skit where he leaned into the aspects of his personality SNL was parodying. Read Walton’s note below:

Jack White served as the musical guest on the Woody Harrelson-hosted episode. See White perform songs from his two 2022 albums.