HBO recently ordered a pilot about the 1980s Lakers aiming to substitute ‘Ballers’ as their sports-based show. Now, the show has its Magic and Kareem. The NBA legends will be played by two newcomers: Quincy Isaiah and Solomon Hughes.
Oscar nominee Adam McKay (Ant-Man, The Big Short) will be the executive producer of the show and its set to direct the pilot. Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht wrote the pilot based on Jeff Pearlman’s book: Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s.
As the book’s title may lead, the show (so far unnamed) aims to tell the story of the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Lakers, one of the most dominant basketball dynasties of all time, a time that marked its era… Not only inside the court.
The pilot will start with Johnson’s rookie season as one of the most gifted players around, and a magnetic persona that is set to revolutionize basketball and player-media relations.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar by that time was established legend, known for his intelligence and political activism. He feels misunderstood by his teammates and fans. But the arrival of Johnson leads him to re-discover his love for the game.
Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson and Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar join previously announced cast members: Jason Clarke as Jerry West and John C. Reilly who, not-so-long-ago was announced to replace Michael Shannon as Lakers owner, Jerry Buss.
McKay will executive produce through his recently-launched, unnamed production company after parting ways with Will Ferrell, his longtime producer. Kevin Messick, Borenstein, Hetch, and Jason Shuman also executive produce.