Showtime Developing Basketball Drama Series From Ron Shelton, Coach Phil Jackson And LA Lakers Exec Jeanie Buss
Showtime is developing a one-hour scripted drama set behind the scenes of a pro basketball team and the family that runs it, and the network is working with people in the know to make it happen. Bull Durham and White Men Can’t Jump writer-director Ron Shelton is set to pen, helm and executive produce the project, from Lakers exec Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis’ Street Reason Entertainment. Phil Jackson, the former Lakers coach who led them to five NBA titles, will also exec produce as will Kurt Rambis, the former Lakers star and now assistant coach. Buss is a longtime exec with the Lakers and the daughter of former owner Jerry Buss, who died in February after a prolific run with the team that included 10 championships. Jeanie Buss and Jackson are engaged after meeting during his tenure with the team, and are expected to bring their real-life experience working at the family-run NBA franchise to the fictional drama.
Brett Tomberlin of IDW and Ubiquity Studios will also executive produce, as will Brian Gilbert and Andrew Trapani of Nine/8 Entertainment. The project was brokered by Todd Berger of Creative Media. Shelton is repped by Oasis Media Group and attorney Don Steele. Buss, Jackson, Rambis and Tomberlin are repped by Michael Black Management. Nine/8 is repped by Stone, Meyer, Genow, Smelkinson & Binder.
Related stories
Rhys Ifans To Co-Star In Showtime Pilot ‘Trending Down’
John Legend To Produce Comedy Project About Music Managers For Showtime
Neo-Nazi Drama Produced By Robert De Niro & Jane Rosenthal In The Works At Showtime
Get more from Deadline.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
