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LeBron James is taking a shot at a basketball drama for NBC.
The network has handed out a script-plus-penalty commitment to Hoops, an hourlong drama executive produced by the new Los Angeles Laker and Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman’s Brownstone Productions.
Written by Jennifer Cecil (Notorious, Heartbeat), Hoops revolves around Stevie Decker, who, after years on the road as both a star player and coach in the WNBA, jumps at the chance to return to her alma mater to become the first female head coach of a men’s college basketball team. But her homecoming isn’t easy, as her career has taken a toll on her family and the school she loves is embroiled in a sex scandal involving her mentor, a legendary former coach.
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Cecil will exec produce the drama alongside James and his SpringHill Entertainment partner Maverick Carter.
Hoops marks James’ latest foray into television. The NBA superstar is readying a scripted drama about Madam C.J. Walker for Netflix, an HBO documentary on Muhammad Ali, an NBA doc film series for Showtime, Best Shot for YouTube and Warriors of Liberty City for Starz. Those join a rapidly growing feature slate as James continues to take advantage of his newfound proximity to Hollywood. He is also teaming with NBC on Brotherly Love, a sitcom inspired by the life of 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers.
James and Carter are repped by WME, LRMR and Ziffren Britttenham.
Brownstone, meanwhile, has the Hulu comedy series Shrill currently in production. Hoops is the company’s second TV sale this season and joins ABC’s untitled Nkechi Carroll drama. Banks is currently writing, directing, producing and starring in the Charlie’s Angels reboot. She also recently signed on to star in and produce the feature Queen for a Day.
Banks and Handelman are with UTA, Untitled and Ziffren Brittenham.
Cecil is with CAA and Hansen Jacobson.
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