LeBron James' Hollywood ambitions are coming becoming more of a reality. NBC has given a script commitment—and attached penalty—on a TV drama called Hoops, reports Variety. James' producing partner for the one-hour series is director/actress Elizabeth Banks, and both SpringHill and Banks' Brownstone Productions will develop the show under the Warner Bros. TV banner.
It's the second announcement in as many days for James' SpringHill Entertainment Group. On Tuesday, NBC picked up a similar option on a Ben Simmons-inspired series. Continuing in that vein, Hoops tells the story of Stevie Decker, a fictional WNBA star and coach who returns to her alma mater to head the men's basketball team, according to Variety. (Spurs assistant Becky Hammon should consult.)
Similar to the Hammon parallels where art imitates life, the narrative arc of Hoops mirrors real-life corruption in college basketball—particularly oily former Louisville coach Rick Pitino. Decker's alma mater in the show will be embroiled in a sex scandal involving a legendary former coach who also happens to be her mentor.
James' production company is starting to become a heavyweight in the TV space. Aside from the Simmons series, there's a scripted drama on Netflix about 19th century philanthropist Madame C.J. Walker, played by Octavia Spencer. Also with Netflix, a drama series, Top Boy with Drake and Future. There's an HBO documentary on Muhammad Ali with Training Day director Antoine Fuqua, and a multi-part documentary film series for Showtime. On the movie front, SpringHill is producing a feature for Legendary called Hustle (directed by David Meyers of music video fame), and an action comedy called Public Enemy in conjunction with Channing Tatum's Free Association production arm.
