Running Point is about to burst onto screens for Netflix subscribers, delighting them with a razor-sharp look behind-the-scenes of one of the USA’s most popular sports. Inspired by the life of Jeanie Buss, the current owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kate Hudson portrays Isla Gordon, one of the only female sports executives in the NBA.
When a scandal rocks her family, she’s forced to take over the role from her older brother Cam (played by Justin Theroux) and prove she has what it takes to lead the team to the championship. However, she soon faces pushback from her other sceptical brothers Sandy (Drew Tarver) and Ness (Scott MacArthur), the board and the entire sports community.
While Hudson has been appointed a queen of romantic-comedies by fans, and recently appeared in the comedy murder-mystery sequel Glass Onion, she actually already has a strong connection to the world of basketball. “I've been around basketball quite a bit,” she shared, “thanks to my best friend from middle school and high school [Baron Davis], who became a professional NBA player.
“While basketball has always been one of my favourite sports, this show has deepened my appreciation for it.”. Davis is a two-time NBA all-star and has played for several major teams, such as the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks.
He retired from the sport in 2012, making brief returns to the court up until 2018, and is currently a studio analyst for the NBA on TNT. In 2021, Hudson and Davis teamed up with their other friend, Glee star Darren Criss, for an ad campaign featuring Cann’s cranberry and sage cannabis tonic and the star’s own King St. brand vodka.
Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan. Sky Stream lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like The Day of the Jackal and the second season of Squid Game.
The Bride Wars revealed she’s also close to Running Point’s inspiration, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. “Having known Jeanie since I was a teenager, I felt a unique connection to the character,” she said. “Jeanie's life and career in the male-dominated world of professional basketball are inspiring, and her willingness to let us explore a comedic version of that world was liberating.”.
Unlike her on-screen counterpart Isla, Hudson has no need to prove she was the right pick for the role thanks to her Hollywood credentials and close links to the basketball community. Running Point premieres Thursday, 27th February on Netflix. Obsessed with Netflix? Get the latest headlines, releases and insider-gossip direct to your inbox with our Binge-worthy newsletter.
