Who is the real life inspiration behind Running Point? Details explored

Netflix's new sports comedy series, Running Point, is making waves. This show is the brainchild of Mindy Kaling, and it's about Isla Gordon, played by Kate Hudson, who ends up in charge of an NBA team in an unexpected turn of events.

Now, is Running Point a true story? Yes, it's based on one, but with a comical spin. The inspiration comes from the real-life journey of Jeanie Buss, the president and primary owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. After her father passed, Jeanie took over the team and worked in a male-dominated world.

Jeanie Buss approached Mindy Kaling with the idea and gave the show's creators full access to her life experiences.

Jeanie Buss spoke to TIME, explaining that while the show draws inspiration from actual events, it's important to note that the characters and storylines are not direct representations of her family or personal life.

She clarified,

“These characters are not my family, and Isla Gordon is not me.”

Instead, Running Point takes creative liberties, altering names and specific details to present a fictionalized yet familiar account of her experiences. This allows the show to be engaging, and respectful of the actual people.

Jeanie Buss’ life inspired Netflix’s Running Point

Isla Gordon's character is similar to Buss's real-life experiences. After their father, Jerry Buss, passed away in 2013, Buss was ready to take over the Lakers, a role she had prepared for throughout her career. Unlike in Running Point, where Isla gets the team after her brother's accident, Buss has to fight for control.

Initially, her brother, Jim Buss, was in charge of basketball operations. However, when the team did poorly, she stepped in and made significant changes in 2017, like bringing Magic Johnson to help.

Buss faced a lot of doubt as a woman in charge of such an important basketball team. This is much like what Isla goes through in the show. She had to deal with challenges from her own family too. Her brothers tried to vote her out: a public argument. It's like how Isla deals with her brothers in the show.

Buss told TIME:

“It might sound like I wrestled control from my brother, but really, the way my dad had written the trust, it was clear that I was ultimately in charge.”

The show traces Buss’ strong bond with Linda Rambis, a significant figure at the Lakers. Rambis is the muse behind Brenda Song's character, Ali Lee, who is Isla's closest friend and confidant in Running Point.

Buss talked to The Associated Press about how these inspired the show:

“Some of the situations seem outlandish, but nothing surprises me that happens in the world of professional basketball.”

Fact and fiction in Running Point

Running Point may have some changes, but it sticks to many fundamental aspects of Buss' life. For instance, it shows Isla dealing with criticism over her old modeling job, similar to what Buss went through. This is an apparent reference to Buss' controversial Playboy photoshoot from 1995.

Buss admitted to TIME:

“I spent a lot of my 30s trying to dress the part, act the part, impress those around me. I finally realized that no matter what, I couldn't please other people.”

Isla's experience with her team's head coach and top players mirrors Buss's connections with Lakers staff. In the show, there's a side story about a mix-up with a player that leads to dating rumors, which Buss dealt with in real life.

Addressing public speculation over her relationships, she told TIME,

“My dad took Magic under his wing. And certainly, I have players like that.”

One of the most notable real-life comparisons in Running Point is Isla handling the money and strategy for a sports team. This is similar to Buss's experience with the Lakers. She had to make crucial decisions, like the trade for Anthony Davis, which helped the team win a championship.

She recalls her father’s poker lessons, explaining,