Jeanie Buss, Netflix creating Lakers front office version of ‘The Office’ comedy

The Los Angeles Lakers will have a new comedy series centered around the front office.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office will be portrayed in a fresh way soon.

Netflix has ordered a new series that will focus on the Lakers’ front office in a comedy series inspired by the popular show “The Office.”

The show will span 10 episodes with each lasting 30 minutes.

Leading the production team are Mindy Kaling, who starred in “The Office”; Elaine Ko from ‘Modern Family’; and Jeanie Buss, president and governor of the Lakers. Linda Rambis, executive director of special projects for the Lakers, is also helping with production.

Here’s what the show will entail, according to Nellie Andreeva of Deadline:

“Written by Ko, the untitled series is inspired by the personal and professional dynamic between the family owners and front office team that together run one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports: the Los Angeles Lakers. The workplace comedy follows fictional team governor Eliza Reed as she navigates NBA ownership and family drama with her best friend by her side.”

Buss explained the reasoning for comedy being involved on Twitter:

The Lakers will have more representation on the big screen soon. LeBron James will star in “Space Jam: A New Legacy” releasing July 16. The movie will also debut James’ new Nike LeBron 19 shoe.

[pickup_prop id=”8029″]

[vertical-gallery id=39915]

[mm-video type=video id=01f7pfvr7sn6qm46npwn playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01eqbvq570kgj8vfs7 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01f7pfvr7sn6qm46npwn/01f7pfvr7sn6qm46npwn-4389b09872f03b04f8e8930e81d12997.jpg]

LeBron James agrees to two-year, $85 million extension with Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers will have LeBron James under contract through the 2023-24 season, according to Shams Charania.

While everybody was waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers to announce the signing of Anthony Davis, the Lakers landed an even bigger commitment for the future of their franchise and LeBron James has made it clear where he sees himself playing for the foreseeable future. LeBron James has agreed to a 2-year extension with the Lakers worth $85 million, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic/Stadium.

LeBron’s previous contract took him through the 2021-22 season, but a two-year extension would take him through the 2022-23 season in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform, according to Shams. So, he effectively picked up his player option for the 2021 season and agreed to add another year to the deal. Of course, that will also keep him in a Lakers uniform at the time that his son Bronny James, a sophomore at Sierra Canyon, could be eligible to join the NBA after graduating from high school, provided the NBA agrees to change their age requirements.

Davis is widely expected to agree to a contract this offseason and if he agrees to a three-year deal with a player option in the 3rd year, that would keep his contractual situation aligned with LeBron’s. But no matter what happens with the Davis contract, the Lakers offseason that was already a massive success for their title defense, the LeBron extension added a major W for the future of the franchise. LeBron will turn 36 on December 30 and the Lakers will start the coming season on Dec. 22.

[lawrence-related id=36101,36094]

Michael Jordan says in 20 years, LeBron ‘may beat me’ in GOAT conversation

Michael Jordan talked about how public opinion on the GOAT conversation changes in a new interview with Cigar Aficionado.

After yet another incredible playoff performance, as well as a 4th NBA championship and a 4th Finals MVP, the debate about who the best player of All-Time is between LeBron James and Michael Jordan has gotten quite a bit more oxygen over the past few weeks. Among the people talking about the debate: Michael Jordan.

In a new interview with Cigar Aficionado, Jordan talked about the debate and recent polling that overwhelmingly held him as the better player over LeBron James following the release of “The Last Dance.” Jordan acknowledged that such discussions are also generational, saying it wouldn’t surprise him in 20 years if people overwhelmingly consider LeBron the better player.

This is a pretty big gesture of respect from Michael Jordan to LeBron James, in acknowledging that both are in the same category. James has made a point to avoid commenting on such things after helping the Lakers win their 17th championship.

[lawrence-related id=35446,35359]

 

Lakers title parade on hold due to ongoing pandemic

While fans of the Lakers gathered around Staples Center on Sunday night, the team will not have an official celebration amid the pandemic.

Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers have been waiting 10 years to celebrate another NBA Championship and while there were plenty of people who gathered independently at Staples Center to celebrate the title, the franchise and the city of Los Angeles both agree that it’s not responsible to hold any type of parade given the current state of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We cannot wait to celebrate our NBA title with our fans,” the Lakers said, according to ESPN.com. “After consulting with the City and the County, we all agree that a joyful and inclusive public celebration will take place as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, thank you again, Lakers Nation, for your support

The passion of the moment couldn’t fully be contained on Sunday but unfortunately, the Lakers have to consider the public health situation and what a parade could do. Meanwhile, the Lakers players appear to have been enjoying their lowkey return to life in Los Angeles, with LeBron James hanging out with his daughter and Anthony Davis ordering lots of tacos.

[lawrence-related id=35369,35355]

The growing power of Rob Pelinka: A conversation with the Riffs Man

Two scholars of the rise of Rob Pelinka discuss how he has solidified his role in the Lakers’ power apparatus.

Rob Pelinka as a figure is one of the most interesting in the NBA front office world. Through his connection with Kobe Bryant and his patience in working under Magic Johnson, he has constructed a team now two wins away from an NBA Championship. His position in Laker Lore nearly secured for life if he is the architect of the team that brings them back to glory. But how he got here, before he becomes a legend for Lakers fans, is arguably more interesting. That’s why I called in fellow Pelinka Scholar, the Riffs Man, to discuss the powerful accomplishments that have him in position for eternal glory. For context, please check out LeBron Wire’s earlier installments in the field of Pelinka Studies. Riffs Man is a basketball scholar who you should follow, he also has a Patreon where he provides his basketball visions to the world. 

Erik:  How powerful, on the list of myths that all NBA franchises are built on, is Robby saying he would hook up Kobe with Heath Ledger for dinner when Heath was dead?

Riffs: It’s like Auerbach messing with the temperature and ice fog of the old Boston garden. Visionary genius unparalleled in its Moment. Rob Pelinka is now going to be Executive of the Year and a world champion. Is he the new Pat Riley. Are we in the Age of Rob Culture?

Erik: I believe that sometimes we have to take advantage of the bread that has come down from heaven. For the Lakers, it was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. For us, those who are out here to chronicle the history of This League, there is no doubt that the Age of Rob Culture is here. Bob Meyers was surpassed. Masai Ujiri works in Canada. Rob has also helped usher in the return of the Big Man, intentionally or not. I have no choice but to Stan.

Riffs: Da Vinci. Van Gogh. These are men who saw the world through a different lens that informed all coming thought and expression. That is Rob Pelinka. This is a man who, through waking up at 4 am to watch Richard Branson ted talks on YouTube, has imprinted his signature on the history of human athletic endeavor. What was his best move this offseason and what was his most underrated move?

Erik: The best move was clearly signing Dwight. Dwight is annoying, he farts too much and he’s way to concerned with trying to be liked. But he lives a life inclined to being Jacked. The Underrated Move has nothing to do with his on-court choices. He saw the paths laid before him and decided he needs to be an ally of Kurt Rambis. Now he has not only locked in the Kobe myth, he has aligned with the Shadow Queen Linda Rambis. My man reads the power and uses it for his own gain. A true grifter.

Riffs: To me, Pelinka is like if Machiavelli were into Positivity SoundCloud Rap and motivational self help books. The guy is locked in on Life, not just basketball. And that is ultimately Jimmy Butlers undoing in this series

Erik: I don’t know if I have anything to add about Pelinka given what else we have written. With that said, a championship would surely secure his reign over the Lakers for however long he wants. He was worked with the Buss, Rambis and Klutch Families that only someone truly built for this could do. He has found Grift Synergy. Anything else you’d like to add?

Riffs: That’s pretty good lol

[lawrence-related id=24840,14891]

“The Lakers organization is extremely …

“The Lakers organization is extremely pleased to be able to partner with AEG and the County of Los Angeles to open up STAPLES Center to provide a safe and easily accessible location for people to vote,” said Jeanie Buss, Lakers Governor. “For our democracy to function, all citizens need to be able to vote in a secure and safe way – and we’re very happy to be able to play our part in ensuring that they can.”

Jeanie Buss: First visit to @whitehouse …

Jeanie Buss: First visit to @whitehouse as #Lakers coached by @Phil Jackson Perhaps we can convince him to run someday. What’s important is we all VOTE in the November election. Exercising our freedom of choice makes democracy thrive. Commit to being part of our country’s future. #vote2020

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss speaks out on Redskins name change debate

Jeanie Buss explains why changing the Redskins’ name wont erase the team’s history.

Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder defiantly stated in 2013 that he would “never” change the name of his team, but after stadium sponsor FedEx publicly requested “the team in Washington” to consider a name change, the Redskins announced Friday that they would be reviewing the team’s controversial name.

In a statement released by the team, Snyder said that the review process “allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community.”

The debate over the team’s name has been raging for years, but with Snyder’s path to relocating to a new D.C. stadium blocked unless the name is changed, along with the pressure from major sponsors, it certainly seems like the time for a change is now. Many fans of the team will certainly disagree, but Lakers owner Jeanie Buss provided a solid counterpoint to anyone worried that changing the name would erase the history of the organization.

Buss has a family connection to the Redskins. Her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, purchased the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 from Jack Kent Cooke, who also owned the Redskins until his death in 1997. Snyder later purchased the team from Cooke’s estate in 1999.

[vertical-gallery id=927263]

LeBron James supports Jeanie Buss after she shares message from racist

Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss wanted to show a piece of hate mail to show that racism is alive and very real.

Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss shared a graphic and offensive message sent to her from a fan that disparages her in misogynistic fasion, as well as her Black players and the late Kobe Bryant. According to ESPN, Buss wanted to show the message in order for white people to call out racism and also show an understanding that racism is still very active. After she shared the letter of hate mail, LeBron James shared a message of support to Buss saying “LOVE YOU JEANNIE!” while also giving a middle finger emoji to the person who wrote the note.

View this post on Instagram

After much thought, I decided to share this letter I received on Monday so that everyone can see the hate is real and living out there. This is happening in our world TODAY. Its real and it exists. To Joe: Did sending this letter make you feel better?  Really all you did was waste your time, and energy and your postage stamp. (But thank you for including your return home address) Why don’t you look in the mirror and see your ugliness because I refuse to. I have received letters like this over the years. The advice I always got? “Ignore it.” I did. But not anymore. On this day, Juneteenth, I ask my white friends to join together, acknowledge the racism that exists in our country and around the world, and pledge to stop ignoring it. We all must do better. #juneteenth #hatewontwin

A post shared by Jeanie Buss (@jeaniebuss) on

James shared his own message on Juneteenth, but he wanted to make sure his followers saw the message from Buss to help them understand the fight against racism, particularly in the United States, won’t be won easily, or at the very least won’t be won without constant fighting against it.

[lawrence-related id=31807,31789]