Netflix’s new popular series, Running Point, was co-created by Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen. At first, it may seem like just a fun comedy, but it is actually based on a real and powerful story. Even though the show is inspired by reality, it still delivers plenty of humor and entertaining moments.
Running Point tells the story of Isla Gordon, played by Kate Hudson. She is the eldest daughter in a well-known basketball family that owns the legendary Los Angeles Waves. When her older brother, Cam, played by Justin Theroux, has to leave his position as team president to go to rehab, he unexpectedly asks Isla to take over the role.
Isla then steps into the world of professional basketball leadership, where she faces many challenges. She deals with sexism, complicated family relationships, and the high-pressure demands of running a major sports team. Both her personal and professional life become difficult, and she must quickly learn how to manage the team while handling big decisions and family struggles.
Isla Gordon’s character and her story are fictional, but they are heavily influenced by the real-life experiences of Jeanie Buss, the president and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Jeanie Buss is also an executive producer on the show, which adds a sense of realism to the series.
Running Point combines outrageous moments with meaningful and emotional ones. It mixes humor with serious themes, showing Isla’s growth as she tries to prove herself in the male-dominated sports industry. Her story reflects the real-life rise of Jeanie Buss, who made history in the professional basketball world.
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Isla Gordon’s Story Is Based on Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss
Jeanie Buss took control of the Los Angeles Lakers after her father, Jerry Buss, passed away in 2013. He had created a plan that named her the team’s new president. However, Jeanie faced a lot of resistance from both family members and others in the industry.
She was determined to lead despite the challenges she faced. This struggle is similar to what Isla Gordon experiences in Running Point. The series makes Isla’s situation even more dramatic by including her brother’s unexpected exit, which forces her into a leadership position.
One of the biggest challenges Jeanie Buss faced was dealing with her brother, Jim Buss, who tried to remove her from her position. Running Point includes a similar storyline where Isla struggles with her own brother, setting up a family rivalry in the first season’s finale. Even with these obstacles, Isla works hard to show that she understands basketball and has the skills needed to manage the team successfully.
Like Isla, Jeanie Buss did not start as the team’s leader right away. In 1999, she became the vice president of business operations for the Lakers, focusing on the financial side of the team while her brother handled basketball decisions.
Jeanie had been involved in sports management since she was young, but her contributions were often overlooked compared to her brothers. However, her father, Jerry Buss, had always planned for his children to take over the Lakers. Eventually, Jeanie became the team’s controlling owner.
In a recent interview with NPR, Jeanie Buss explained why her father trusted her with the Lakers. She said, “He put me in charge, and he knew what I would do. He asked me to do something, which was to protect the Lakers. And I did it.” Even though she had her father’s support, Jeanie had to overcome many difficulties to prove herself, just as Isla does in the series.
Jeanie’s hard work paid off in 2020 when she led the Lakers to an NBA championship. She became the first female controlling owner to win a championship, making history in the process. Isla’s story in Running Point is still unfolding, and she has not yet reached the same level of success. However, in the first season, she begins a journey that mirrors Jeanie’s as she tries to establish herself in a high-stakes, male-dominated field.
Even though Running Point is a comedy, it presents Isla’s leadership struggles in a way that feels real. It highlights the difficulties of managing a sports team while also dealing with personal relationships. The show captures the strength and determination of its lead character, much like Jeanie Buss’s real-life journey in the sports world.
Running Point Is a Fictional Story but Inspired by Reality
Even though Running Point takes inspiration from Jeanie Buss’s life, it is a fictionalized version of her experiences. Isla Gordon is not meant to be an exact representation of Jeanie, but she shares many qualities with her. The show’s creators have made it clear that they used Jeanie’s experiences as a foundation for the story but changed many details for creative reasons.
In an interview with Time, Mindy Kaling, one of the co-creators, revealed that Jeanie Buss was very open about sharing her experiences. She said that Jeanie gave them “carte blanche on her life because she wanted it to be funny.” This means that even though the series is not a direct biography, its inspiration is obvious.
There are many strong connections between Jeanie Buss and Isla Gordon. One of the most important is their deep understanding of basketball. From the very beginning of the show, Isla demonstrates her sharp knowledge of the game and its players.
She proves that she is smart, strategic, and passionate about basketball. This part of her character is closely based on Jeanie Buss, who has shown great leadership in professional sports.
It is rare to see a sports show on television and even rarer to see one centered around a female character who truly understands the game. Isla’s story is refreshing because it focuses on a woman who not only loves basketball but is also skilled at managing a team. The show also does a great job of showing Isla’s determination and willpower, which reflect Jeanie Buss’s real-life journey.
Jeanie’s rise from inheriting the Lakers to becoming a groundbreaking leader in sports is inspiring. Running Point brings attention to this incredible story, even though it is told in a fictional way. The show highlights the importance of strong leadership, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Netflix recently announced that Running Point has been renewed for a second season. This is impressive because Netflix does not always renew new shows so quickly. Even though there is no official release date yet, fans can look forward to seeing more of Isla’s journey.
The series will continue to deliver comedy, drama, and inspiring moments. With Kate Hudson in the lead role and a talented cast supporting her, Running Point is set to keep audiences entertained for another season.
The series takes inspiration from Jeanie Buss, a woman who broke barriers in professional basketball. Even though Isla Gordon is a fictional character, her journey reflects the real challenges and victories of a trailblazing leader.
Running Point is currently available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.
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