HBO's Lakers Drama Witness a Replacement

A while ago, we reported about how actor Michael Shannon has been roped in to play an important role in HBO's upcoming Lakers drama series. However, that is now undergoing a major change as the actor is getting replaced.

According to a report in The Hollywood Reporter, John C. Reilly has signed on to play Lakers owner Jerry Buss in the project executive produced and directed by Adam McKay. He replaces Michael Shannon, who was initially cast in the role and has exited due to creative differences, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.

Reilly will join a cast that also includes Jason Clarke, who is set to play Lakers legend Jerry West, the team's general manager in the '80s. 

The untitled pilot will chronicle the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Lakers, who built a dynasty and helped define their era, both on and off the court. It's based on Jeff Pearlman's book Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley and the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty.

Reilly's Buss, who bought the Lakers, the NHL's L.A. Kings and the Forum in Inglewood in 1979, is a self-made millionaire whose success has only amplified his proclivity for risk. He redefines American sports, celebrity and wealth by transforming the Lakers into a dynasty, but his house of cards threatens to collapse on him and the people he loves most.

The project is part of an HBO development slate that also includes a Game of Thrones prequel that's expected to go to series. Corporate parent WarnerMedia has given HBO a mandate to increase originals, both for the on-air network and as the linchpin of the forthcoming streaming platform HBO Max.