Fans of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers also dubbed the “Showtime Lakers,” will get a chance to watch them on their televisions once again – sort of. HBO will be developing a scripted TV series based on the Jeff Pearlman-authored book, Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s.
The series pilot, headed veteran producer Adam McKay and written by Max Borenstein, has been greenlit by HBO and is already in the casting phase.
Following from The Hollywood Reporter,
Showtime marks the first project for McKay after splitting with longtime producing partner Will Ferrell. McKay and Kevin Messick will executive produce for the former’s currently unnamed new company. McKay will also direct the pilot, which is already exploring casting options for actors to take on the roles of former NBA favorites Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and head coach Pat Riley.
Borenstein, Hecht and Jason Shuman will also be credited as EPs on the drama, which HBO describes as a fast-break series chronicling the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties — a team that defined its era, both on and off the court.
Showtime, according to McKay, is set to take on Pearlman’s account of the “sexism, racism, tragedy, redemption, no-look passes and a giant cultural shift in America” of the 1980s.
There is no word on when the series pilot will premiere as of yet, but for basketball fans and fans of McKay’s previous work, the show will be a must watch.
Stayed tuned to DefPen.com for more updates related to the show.
