It seems that former NBA star Magic Johnson is passing on the upcoming HBO series focused on the Lakers in the 1980s. Johnson played for the Los Angeles-based team during the 80s.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the point guard spoke to TMZ reporter about the upcoming series, and he was asked whether he is looking forward to it. The series, titled Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, is due this March. Max Borenstein (Minority Report) will serve as the showrunner and Adam McKay (Don’t Look Up) will direct and executive produce. The scripted comedy will cover the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Lakers.
Johnson was open about “not looking forward” to the new show. He went on to explain that he and sports executive Jeanie Buss are working on their projects, with Buss’s coming to Showtime. TMZ asked Johnson if HBO received his blessing for the series, and he responded, “Well, like I said, I’m not looking forward to it. I’m going to leave it at that.” He also said that he would not be watching the series when it airs.
Newcomer Quincy Isaiah will portray Johnson in the upcoming series, with John C. Reilly (Gaurdians of the Galaxy) playing then-owner Jerry Buss, Jason Clarke (Catherine the Great) as general manager Jerry West, Adrien Brody (The French Dispatch) as coach Pat Riley, and Hadley Robinson (Little Women) as Jeanie Buss. Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother) will also be in the series as Paul Westhead.
Magic led the Lakers to 5 NBA championships in the ’80s, alongside Kareem Adbul-Jabbar and James Worthy.
Winning Time will debut on HBO in 2022.