HBO has today given a series order to an untitled drama series centering on the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers from executive producer and director Adam McKay. An episode count and premiere date window were not immediately announced.
The drama chronicles the professional and personal lives of the team's "Showtime" era, so named for the Lakers' fast-breaking style of play and star-studded celebrity fans. The team is one of sports' most revered and dominant dynasties and one that defined its era both on and off the court.
The drama stars Jason Clarke, John C. Reilly, Quincy Isaiah, Solomon Hughes, Gaby Hoffmann, Hadley Robinson, DeVaughn Nixon, Molly Gordon, Rob Morgan, Spencer Garrett, Kirk Bovill, Delante Desouza, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Tamera Tomakili and Joey Brooks.
Based on the non-fiction book Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s by Jeff Pearlman, Max Borenstein wrote the pilot, which was directed by McKay. They executive produce with Kevin Messick, Jim Hecht, Jason Shuman, Scott Stephens and Rodney Barnes. Hyberobject Industries produces in association with HBO.
"Alongside Adam McKay and Max Borenstein, HBO couldn't be more thrilled to examine one of professional sports' most beloved empires," said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming. "Across 1980s Los Angeles, we'll experience the exhilarating ride of a team that dominated a decade of basketball, and watch them not only achieve iconic status but transform the sport in every way."
