Prior to this, the former Los Angeles Lakers executive's lawyer wrote in a letter that HBO and the producers should 'retract their baseless and defamatory portrayal of him' on 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty'.
- Apr 27, 2022
AceShowbiz - HBO has reacted to Jerry West demanding the network and producer Adam McKay over his portrayal on "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty". In a statement released on Tuesday, April 26, the network appeared to refuse to apologize by arguing that the series is "not a documentary."
"HBO has a long history of producing compelling content drawn from actual facts and events that are fictionalized in part for dramatic purposes," the network stated. " 'Winning Time' is not a documentary and has not been presented as such."
The statement continued, "However, the series and its depictions are based on extensive factual research and reliable sourcing, and HBO stands resolutely behind our talented creators and cast who have brought a dramatization of this epic chapter in basketball history to the screen."
"Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" is based on the book "Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s" by Jeff Pearlman. It follows the personal and professional lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers. Earlier this month, the legal team of West sent a letter to HBO and "Winning Time" producer McKay in which the former Los Angeles Lakers executive demanded a retraction and apology for his depiction in the series.
West's lawyer Skip Miller said in the letter, " 'Winning Time' falsely and cruelly portrays Mr. West as an out-of-control, intoxicated rage-aholic." He insisted thar it "bears no resemblance to the real man," adding, "Jerry West was an integral part of the Lakers and NBA's success. It is a travesty that HBO has knowingly demeaned him for shock value and the pursuit of ratings."
"As an act of common decency, HBO and the producers owe Jerry a public apology and at the very least should retract their baseless and defamatory portrayal of him," the letter continued. The letter also claimed that the series, which stars John C. Reilly, Quincy Isaiah and Jason Segel, didn't stay faithful from the book and "shows malice in your false portrayal."
The letter also featured claims from former players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jamaal Wilkes and Michael Cooper. "He never broke golf clubs, he didn't throw his trophy through the window," Abdul-Jabbar said in the letter. "Sure, those actions make dramatic moments, but they reek of facile exploitation of the man rather than exploration of character."
Miller added that HBO's disclaimer that the series is a dramatization doesn't protect the network from liability. He demanded an apology within two weeks from the date of the letter.
