How Hollywood is gearing up to tell the story of the Lakers - Spectrum News 1

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COMPTON, Calif. — To most NBA fans, John Salley is known as a "bad boy" Detroit Pistons member.

But the 6-foot-11-inch, big man ended his career in Los Angeles, winning his fourth championship with the Lakers. However, Salley's decision to come to Los Angeles was about way more than basketball.

What You Need To Know

There are two Hollywood projects on the Los Angeles Lakers expected to premiere in 2022

One is documentary series from Jeanie Buss and Antoine Fuqua

Another is a scripted series about the "Showtime" era Lakers

John Salley, who finished his career with the Lakers, said he believes the team is important to Hollywood

"Because of being in a Laker uniform, I have more opportunities to do more television shows," he said.

After he retired, Salley appeared in blockbuster films and TV shows alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names.

"After I was a Laker, the doors were open," he said.

That's why he's not surprised Hollywood has two major upcoming projects on the history of the Lakers, including a nine-part docu-series coming to Hulu from team owner Jeanie Buss and Emmy award winner Antoine Fuqua.

"Think of the drama," Salley said. "Anybody that you would mention in greatness in this sport was a Laker."

HBO is also working on a scripted series about the Lakers "Showtime" era, with Pat Riley being portrayed by Adrien Brody and Jerry Buss being played by John C. Reilly. Salley said he remembers playing the Lakers during this time and says now is the time to tell the story.