The newly released Netflix series, Running Point, is essential viewing for basketball enthusiasts. This 10-episode season, co-created by Mindy Kaling, features Kate Hudson in the role of Isla Gordon, a former socialite whose family owns the Los Angeles Waves, a professional basketball franchise. In this sitcom, Isla is compelled to take charge of the family business, which is a professional basketball team.

The storyline revolves around Isla assuming the role of president of the Los Angeles Waves, a team once led by her father. Although the Waves had a commendable record, the team has struggled under her brother's inadequate leadership following their father's death. Isla now faces the challenge of revitalizing the franchise.

Is Running Point based on Jeanie Buss?

The narrative bears a resemblance to the experiences of Jeanie Buss, the president and controlling owner of the Lakers. Isla Gordon and the Waves exhibit parallels to Buss and the Lakers, with Buss serving as an executive producer for the series. Nevertheless, while the show depicts a woman attaining success in the sports sector and making history, Buss's actual journey diverges considerably from the fictional portrayal.

Both Isla and Buss face challenges in gaining acceptance within a male-dominated environment, and specific details—such as Isla's decision to pose for Playboy, a choice Buss made in 1995—enhance the authenticity of the narrative. Under the leadership of Jeanie's father, Dr. Jerry Buss, the Lakers secured numerous championships, akin to the Waves' achievements under Isla's father.

However, despite Buss's role as an executive producer and the incorporation of aspects from her life, Running Point should not be regarded as a biographical account. This workplace comedy, directed by Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen, employs creative liberties to set itself apart from actual events.

In contrast to Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers, a 2022 documentary available on Hulu, Running Point is a scripted sitcom that intertwines fact with fiction, utilizing artistic freedom to present a distinctive perspective on professional basketball.

While Isla Gordon and Jeanie Buss, along with the Waves and the Lakers, differ in numerous respects, the real-life inspiration behind Running Point is unmistakable.

The series adeptly illustrates the significant responsibilities that fell upon Jeanie Buss following the death of her father, NBA legend Jerry Buss, in 2013 at the age of 80. Although Jeanie's ascent to power was gradual, Isla's advancement in Running Point accelerates her journey from managing charitable initiatives to assuming the role of team president.

Although Buss did not take part in the casting decisions, she wholeheartedly endorsed Kate Hudson's portrayal of Isla. The two have been acquainted since Hudson's teenage years. Buss also played a crucial role in ensuring that basketball enthusiasts would find value in the show by assisting in the integration of elements that offer a fictional yet insightful glimpse into the industry.

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