If you had any kind of issue with the historical accuracy of HBO’s Winning Time, stress less, because the Los Angeles Lakers are finally stepping forward with their very own documentary-based answer to the Chicago Bull’s The Last Dance. This is Hulu’s Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers.
The title alone seems like a dig at the recent “controversy” garnered by the hit HBO biographical drama from those who were actually there. Whatever the case, the upcoming chronicle detailing one of the NBA’s greatest dynasties will feature appearances from legends of old such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, as well as legends-in-the-making like LeBron James. Expect plenty of archival footage from the late great Kobe Bryant.
While a conscious effort has been made towards navigating away from all the ficticious bells and whistles, you’d been mistaken in thinking the truth is any less cinematic. Or juicy. Billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban himself described what you’re about to learn as “the real-life Succession.” Which, incidentally, is also produced by HBO (full circle, eh?).
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Here’s an official description courtesy of Hulu:
When charismatic real estate tycoon Dr Jerry Buss purchased the Los Angeles Lakers in a wildly risky and complex business deal, nobody could’ve predicted just how much success was to come.
Kicking off the “Showtime” era in 1979, the notorious LA playboy pioneered the business of basketball. He raised the price of floor seats, introduced dancers and a live band, opened an exclusive private club inside the arena, and cultivated famous fans in Hollywood.
Over the last 40 years, the team captured 11 titles and retired the jerseys of some of the NBA’s most legendary players. Today, Dr Buss’s empire is now worth more than $5 billion. But all of that success did not come easy.
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Along with notorious feuds, career-ending illnesses, and a bevy of insurmountable on-court obstacles, the Lakers have also weathered intense drama off the court – within Dr Buss’s own family.
Running the franchise as a “mom and pop” operation, Dr Buss gave his children front office jobs with the understanding they would, someday, inherit his kingdom. But sibling rivalry, interpersonal conflict, and corporate unrest threatened to destroy everything Dr Buss worked so hard to build. Ultimately, ‘Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers’ is about family, business, and power — and how all three must be harnessed to achieve greatness.
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Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers has been directed and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua – who you’ll be most familiar with as the man who helmed Training Day, The Equalizer trilogy, and Southpaw. This marks the seventh documentary-related release from the talented Mr Fuqua, having previously directed the critically-acclaimed likes of What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali.
No official release date has been set for Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers, nor is there any word on where this one will land here in Australia. Assuming it follows suit with other Hulu releases, expect it on Disney+.
Check out the first teaser trailer above.
