The Los Angeles Lakers are heading to Netflix.
According to Deadline, Netflix has greenlit 10 episodes of a new workplace-comedy series based on the storied NBA franchise. The show will be developed by Mindy Kaling and Elaine Ko, and produced in tandem with Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and Warner Bros TV.
Here's how Deadline described the show:
“The untitled series is inspired by the personal and professional dynamic between the family owners and front office team that together run one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports: the Los Angeles Lakers. The workplace comedy follows fictional team governor Eliza Reed as she navigates NBA ownership and family drama with her best friend by her side.”
Buss' close friend and advisor, Linda Rambis, will be a co-producer. Rambis has worked for the Lakers since 1979.
Kaling wrote and starred in “The Office” and “The Mindy Project.” Ko, who will be the showrunner, was a writer and producer on “Modern Family.”
“Mindy Kaling and Elaine Ko are brilliant accomplished creators and I’m thrilled to be part of this dream team,” Buss wrote on Friday. “I’ve spoken many times about humor playing an important role in my mental health and wellbeing so this is a natural.”
Mindy Kaling and Elaine Ko are brilliant accomplished creators and I’m thrilled to be part of this dream team. I’ve spoken many times about humor playing an important role in my mental health and wellbeing so this is a natural. Thank you @netflix for giving us this platform. https://t.co/uXbbN9Rw45
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) June 18, 2021
It's been a hot time for Lakers IP in pop culture.
Adam McKay is spearheading a drama series for HBO entitled “Showtime” (yes, ironic), based on the 1980s Lakers, which is also being produced by Warner Bros. The Lakers are not formally involved in the project.
Last month, Hulu ordered a nine-part docuseries on the Lakers franchise in the years since Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the team in 1979. The Lakers will participate in this one.
A feature documentary on Magic Johnson is in the works, too.
Lakers-related content coming to streaming:
-HBO Max: Space Jam (July 16), Adam McKay's "Showtime" drama series
-Hulu: 9-part docuseries covering Lakers over last 40 years
-Netflix: Workplace comedy series based on Lakers
-TBA: Magic Johnson feature documentary— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) June 18, 2021
And, of course, “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (produced by Warner Bros.), starring LeBron James and Bugs Bunny, hits theaters and HBO Max on July 16.
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