Curious whether Running Point is based on a true story? Viewers have noticed striking similarities between Isla Gordon’s journey in the show and Jeanie Buss’s real-life rise to power with the Los Angeles Lakers. With Buss herself involved as an executive producer, many are wondering how much of the series is rooted in reality.
Here’s what we know about the real-life inspiration behind Running Point and how closely it follows Jeanie Buss’s story.
Is Isla Gordon in Running Point based on Jeanie Buss?
Netflix’s Running Point is inspired by a true story but is a fictionalized version.
The show follows Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson), who takes over the Los Angeles Waves after her brother steps down. The character is based on Jeanie Buss, the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, who inherited the team from her father, Jerry Buss, after his death in 2013. With Buss serving as an executive producer, Running Point incorporates real elements from her career.
Jeanie Buss faced resistance when taking over the Lakers, particularly from her brother, Jim Buss, who attempted to remove her from her role. Isla experiences similar obstacles as she takes charge of the Waves, with her brother’s departure playing a major role in the storyline. In an NPR interview, Buss stated, “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.” The show reflects on her leadership journey and the difficulties she encountered.
Before leading the Lakers, Buss was the vice president of business operations in 1999 of the team. She managed the business side of the team while her brother handled basketball operations. Despite her extensive experience, she had to prove herself in a male-dominated industry. Mindy Kaling, co-creator of Running Point, told Time that Buss gave them “carte blanche on her life because she wanted it to be funny.”
Buss led the Lakers to a championship in 2020, becoming the first female controlling owner to win an NBA title. Isla’s journey in Running Point follows a similar path, though fictionalized. The show portrays the challenges of sports leadership and the complexities of managing a team while drawing inspiration from Buss’s career.
