Spoiler Alert: This discussion covers plot points from the Netflix series “Running Point.”
Kate Hudson has loved sports for as long as she can remember. Growing up between California and Colorado, she cheered for the Denver Broncos, the L.A. Kings, and the L.A. Lakers. As a teen, she attended Kings games with her parents. During those outings, she met Jeanie Buss, the young executive who managed the Forum, where the hockey team played.
“Kate would follow me around,” Buss remembers. “I gave her tours and explained how we handled tickets and the box office.”
Hudson chimes in, “I also liked to sneak into places. Jeanie would say, ‘You stay here.’”
As they laugh about Hudson’s cheeky teenage antics, Mindy Kaling, who wasn’t part of that memory, asks curiously, “What were these ‘naughty places’?” This playful moment highlights Hudson’s new role in “Running Point,” where she plays a fictionalized version of Buss, who is now president and owner of the Lakers.
While Hudson doesn’t reveal specific mischief, Buss jokes about wanting to be a responsible mentor, saying, “I felt responsible!” This light-hearted banter sets the stage for their fun dynamic on and off-screen.
The series “Running Point” originated from Buss and Linda Rambis, a longtime friend and Lakers executive, who pitched the idea to Kaling five years ago. They envisioned a comedic take on running a family business intertwined with sports.
“Jeanie and Linda are fans of ‘The Office,’” Kaling shared. “I soon saw that Jeanie, despite her serious job, loves comedy and doesn’t take herself too seriously. That’s a great quality.”
Buss feels lucky to work with talented individuals like Kaling. “I’ve learned from legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Working with Mindy is an incredible blessing,” she says while showcasing her diamond-encrusted NBA championship ring, a symbol of her historic achievement as the first female controlling owner to secure a league title.
Kaling, eager for praise, humorously asks, “Where do I stand compared to Luka Dončić?”
“If you’re looking for how Buss handles big trades like last month’s Dončić deal, this series gives a glimpse,” Hudson notes. However, the show doesn’t focus solely on the Lakers. As it developed, the creators opted to invent a fictional team, the L.A. Waves, allowing more creative freedom.
Hudson joined the project after reading the pilot script. She portrays Isla Gordon, the underestimated daughter of the team’s owner. Isla unexpectedly becomes the president and has to guide a struggling team back to the playoffs while also navigating a secret about her family. “It’s about legacy,” Hudson reflects. “How do you protect and nurture it?”
Initially apprehensive about committing to a TV series, Hudson admits, “I’ve always wanted to do comedy. It’s daunting because getting it right is tough.” She compares crafting comedy to choreography, emphasizing the importance of solid character grounding.
Hudson adds, “Jeanie’s journey is different from mine. The arts and sports are worlds apart, but I relate to the desire to honor what family has built.”
Reflecting on the series, Kaling expresses that it captures family dynamics while delivering laughs and heartfelt moments. They discuss how the shift from a real-life focus to a fictional narrative allowed them to craft outrageous stories without real-world constraints. Buss adds, “Humor can ease tense situations and add relatability to workplace drama.”
Kate Hudson also brings intensity to her character. “Balancing comedic moments with genuine feelings is important,” she explains. “Capturing the right nuances is key.” Kaling highlights Hudson’s versatility in both serious scenes and physical comedy, showcasing her range.
Humor, such as comparing the team to characters from “John Wick,” reflects their clever writing. Kaling praises Hudson’s unexpected Keanu Reeves impression, noting how it blended seamlessly into the narrative.
Hudson shares her excitement about the team and her character’s development through the series. “It’s a lot of hard work, especially with my kids,” she laughs, acknowledging the demands of long working hours. “But if you love what you’re doing, that makes it easier.”
Both women express hope for continued success, viewing the potential for future seasons with enthusiasm. Buss appreciates Kaling’s storytelling knack, emphasizing the fascinating material available to explore in future episodes. “There’s so much rich history,” she concludes.
This interview reflects the spirit and ambition behind “Running Point,” emphasizing its blend of comedy and heartfelt family moments in the world of sports.
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Source linkJeanie Buss,Kate Hudson,Mindy Kaling,Running Point
