Is it possible that “Running Point” is inspired by a true story? Some viewers have pointed out significant parallels between Isla Gordon’s journey depicted in the show and Jeanie Buss’s actual climb to power with the Los Angeles Lakers. Given that Buss herself is serving as an executive producer, there’s speculation about how much of this series draws from real life events.
Here is an overview of the true-life influences behind Running Point, and how closely it mirrors Jeanie Buss’s life journey.
Running Point draws heavily from the real-world experiences of its inspiration, Jeanie Buss, and follows her story quite closely.
Is Isla Gordon in Running Point based on Jeanie Buss?
Netflix’s Running Point is inspired by a true story but is a fictionalized version.
The series centers around Isla Gordon, portrayed by Kate Hudson, assuming leadership of the Los Angeles Waves following her brother’s departure. This character is loosely modeled after Jeanie Buss, a powerful owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, who inherited the team upon her father, Jerry Buss’s, passing in 2013. Given Buss’s involvement as an executive producer, the show, Running Point, integrates authentic aspects from her professional life.
Isla finds herself encountering resistance as she assumes control over the Waves, notably from her brother who sought to undermine her position. Reminiscent of Jeanie Buss’s experience in taking over the Lakers, this sibling dynamic is a significant plot point. In an interview with NPR, Buss explained, “He handed me the reins and was aware of my actions. He asked me to safeguard the Lakers, and I did just that.” The narrative explores her leadership journey and the hurdles she overcame.
In 1999, prior to heading the Lakers, Buss served as the vice president of business operations for the team. While her brother oversaw basketball operations, Buss managed the business aspects of the team in a predominantly male-dominated industry. Despite her wealth of experience, she had to establish her credibility. Mindy Kaling, one of the creators of Running Point, shared with Time that Buss granted them creative freedom over her life story because she wanted it to be humorous.
In 2020, Buss steered the Lakers to a championship, making her the first woman with controlling ownership rights to claim an NBA title. Isla’s storyline in Running Point mirrors this success, though it is presented fictitiously. The series depicts the trials of sports leadership and the intricacies of team management, taking inspiration from Buss’s professional career.
Read More
- Who Is Returning on Days of Our Lives This Week?
- Dead Man’s Wire Cast Adds Colman Domingo to Gus Van Sant’s Hostage Thriller
- ‘As long as audience believes they’re husband and wife’: Pragya Jaiswal on working with Nandamuri Balakrishna despite double age gap
- Fauji director Hanu Raghavapudi shares BIG update on Prabhas starrer period war drama; ‘We have created…’
- What is the next Prime Warframe?
- Who Is Kendrick Lamar’s Fiancee? Whitney Alford’s Kids & Relationship History
- Apple reveals more affordable iPhone 16e starting at $599
- Neil Gaiman Denies Sexual Assault Allegations in New Statement
- PHOTO: Demonte Colony director Ajay Gnanamuthu marries longtime girlfriend; Chiyaan Vikram attends in style
- Black Panther 3 Producer Gives Clarity on Denzel Washington’s Marvel Role
2025-03-11 10:23