I finished watching the first season of this 10-part HBO series last night and wanted to recommend it. As this is the only sports site I visit, y’all are the beneficiaries of my recommendation.
The creators of the series have good reason for the disclaimers they attach to the story they tell because they use real names and details regarding the 1979-80 NBA season to tell a hilarious recounting, primarily following the rookie seasons of Ervin “Magic” Johnson and Laker owner Dr Jerry Buss. Did I say it’s hilarious? That and fluid and sexy. And also, in some regards, highly actionable without the disclaimers, I’m sure!
Who many might recognize in the cast are John C. Reilly as the Lakers’ new owner, Dr. Jerry Buss, Adrien Brody as Pat Riley, Jason Clarke as Jerry West and Sally Field in a small role as Dr. Buss’ mother. A “new” actor, Quincy Isaiah, stars as Magic. Norm Nixon’s son, DeVaughn Nixon plays credibly as his dad. Solomon Hughes is a credible Kareem.
They’re careful not to show many on court basketball scenes (because the actors aren’t up to Magic, Kareem, Spencer Haywood, Norm Nixon, Larry Bird, Dr. J and others’ athletic abilities. But they have fun with the dialogue and goings on.
I was glad at the end of the final episode to see that HBO has renewed the series for a second season. I’ll be watching.
The creators of the series have good reason for the disclaimers they attach to the story they tell because they use real names and details regarding the 1979-80 NBA season to tell a hilarious recounting, primarily following the rookie seasons of Ervin “Magic” Johnson and Laker owner Dr Jerry Buss. Did I say it’s hilarious? That and fluid and sexy. And also, in some regards, highly actionable without the disclaimers, I’m sure!
Who many might recognize in the cast are John C. Reilly as the Lakers’ new owner, Dr. Jerry Buss, Adrien Brody as Pat Riley, Jason Clarke as Jerry West and Sally Field in a small role as Dr. Buss’ mother. A “new” actor, Quincy Isaiah, stars as Magic. Norm Nixon’s son, DeVaughn Nixon plays credibly as his dad. Solomon Hughes is a credible Kareem.
They’re careful not to show many on court basketball scenes (because the actors aren’t up to Magic, Kareem, Spencer Haywood, Norm Nixon, Larry Bird, Dr. J and others’ athletic abilities. But they have fun with the dialogue and goings on.
I was glad at the end of the final episode to see that HBO has renewed the series for a second season. I’ll be watching.
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