Jeanie Buss and the Netflix Comedy That Hits Close to Home
In the world of sports and entertainment, it’s not every day that a storyline from the court finds its way onto the screen. But that’s exactly what seems to have happened with a new Netflix comedy that has caught the eye of Jeanie Buss, the president and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. The show, intriguingly titled “Running Point,” stars the talented Kate Hudson and was announced on Tuesday. The plot is strikingly reminiscent of Buss’ own journey with the Lakers, making it a must-watch for fans of both basketball and drama.
According to Netflix’s description, Hudson’s character steps into the role of president of the fictional Los Angeles Waves after her brother is forced to resign. The narrative follows her as she navigates the challenges of proving herself to her skeptical brothers, the board, and the larger sports community. It’s a tale of determination and grit, set against the backdrop of the unpredictable, male-dominated world of sports.
For those familiar with the Lakers’ history, this storyline might sound familiar. Back in 2017, Jeanie Buss made headlines when she fired her brother Jim, who was then the executive vice president of basketball operations, along with general manager Mitch Kupchak. In a bold move, she appointed Lakers legend Magic Johnson as president of basketball operations. This was a significant shift for the franchise, which Jeanie had taken over as governor in 2013 following the death of her father, the legendary Dr. Jerry Buss.
The parallels between the show and her real-life experiences did not go unnoticed by Jeanie Buss herself. She took to social media platform X to share her thoughts, posting a cheeky message that read:
This looks a little familiar 🤔@mindykaling and Kate Hudson on @netflix – sounds like a winner 🏆 https://t.co/2fyXOXL6oF
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) January 21, 2025
Adding another layer of intrigue, the promotional image for “Running Point” bears a striking resemblance to the cover of Jeanie’s 2010 book, “Laker Girl.” The book was rereleased in 2013 with a different cover, a fact Jeanie alluded to in another post:
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) January 21, 2025
Interestingly, Jeanie Buss is credited as an executive producer for one episode of the show, according to IMDB. Linda Rambis, who manages special projects for the Lakers and is married to Lakers senior basketball adviser Kurt Rambis, is also listed as an executive producer for an episode. This involvement adds a layer of authenticity and perhaps a touch of insider perspective to the series.
One of the characters in the show, a player named “Marcus Winfield,” is described by Netflix as “a once-in-a-generation talent with two championship rings, two Olympic gold medals, and 12 All-Star Game visits.” This description is eerily similar to that of Lakers forward LeBron James, adding another layer of intrigue for basketball fans.
With a 10-episode run, “Running Point” is set to premiere on February 27. It’s a series that promises to blend the drama of sports management with the comedic flair of its talented cast, making it a potential hit for both sports enthusiasts and comedy lovers alike.
- Jeanie Buss’ real-life experiences with the Lakers are mirrored in the new Netflix comedy “Running Point.”
- The show stars Kate Hudson and features a storyline about a woman stepping into a leadership role in a male-dominated sports world.
- Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis are credited as executive producers for episodes of the series.
- The series premieres on February 27 and promises a mix of drama and comedy.
Originally Written by: Anthony Gharib
