Is Running Point based on a true story? Details about the Kate Hudson show, explored 

Running Point is a Netflix sports comedy series based on Jeff Pearlman's book Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s. The series unveils incidents inspired by actual life events of the family. The story showcases Isla Gordon, portrayed by Kate Hudson, who leads an NBA team while navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry and managing complex family dynamics. But here is the catch: the show comes with a tincture of comedy that makes it worth watching.

The series is inspired by the real-life journey of Jeanie Buss, an American sports executive who became the president and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers after the demise of her father, Dr. Jerry Buss. The show creator, Mindy Kaling, also stated that Buss, the executive producer, approached her and suggested making a comedy show based on her life experiences.

Running Point gives Jeanie Buss some glimpses of her late father and family.

In an interview with TIME, Jeanie recalls how watching Running Point brought back memories of her childhood and her father, who dealt with challenges along his journey from buying an NBA franchise to leading it to recognition and fame. She asserts that the show rightly showcases her dad; however, it is "frustrating" for her not to be part of something that is almost a part of their lives.

“They really captured my dad. But it was very frustrating to not be involved with a project that is basically telling your life story.” Buss tells TIME.

The show depicts Isla Gordon facing challenges because her style of running the basketball organization differs from that of her male counterparts. This mirrors the experiences of Jeanie Buss, who has faced skepticism and pushback even from her brothers, who hold significant positions within the organization. However, in the interview, Buss acknowledged that the show reflects her life but also said that, in the end, the characters are not her family; therefore, a truthful representation can't be expected.

“While we inspired so much of the story, these characters are not my family, and Isla Gordon is not me.” Buss clarified.

The makers researched Buss's life before writing the script of Running Point

According to reports, Buss gave access to her life experiences to the makers, and they utilised it smartly by spending months exploring Buss's personal life, achievements, education, and beliefs to carve out characters and a narrative that do justice to the same. However, Running Point took artistic liberty to change some real-life details and induce some on-screen drama while keeping the story's essence intact.

Buss was ready to take over the position after her father died, but in Running Point, she takes it after the team performs badly under her brother's charge. Given the film's limited duration, this portrayal of Buss's life struggle is more authentic. When Isla became president, her other brothers tried to vote her out.

“The way my brother saw things was that he wanted the team to go through a losing phase so that we could amass draft picks and cap space and then build the team that way,” Buss says.

She recalled how an older member judged and cross-checked every decision she made. But all this time, she realized that the craving for validation from those who did not have faith in her was not required, and this mentality helped her grow.

She added that it looked like she was struggling to hold on to power, but that was not the case as her father already wanted her to run the organisation along with Magic Johnson.

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Running Point is premiering on Netflix on the 27th February 2025.

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