Ritesh Sharma
Based on the real-life story of Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, Netflix’s ‘Running Point’ is a sports comedy that is as quirky as it is enthralling. Created by Mindy Kaling and starring Kate Hudson in the lead, the series thrives on vibrant humor while cleverly deconstructing the typical feel-good sports narrative. Hudson plays Isla Gordon, the wildly unqualified yet irresistibly charismatic owner of the fictional NBA team, the Los Angeles Waves. A self-proclaimed Nepo Baby from a famously dysfunctional and outrageously wealthy family, her journey is filled with hilarious misadventures as she stumbles through the high-stakes world of professional basketball.
Surrounded by skeptical executives, overconfident players, and relentless media scrutiny, Isla’s misguided attempts to prove herself often lead to disaster. With the reluctant help of a veteran GM, a sharp-witted assistant, and a washed-up former player, she slowly begins to find her footing. Blending satire with heartfelt moments, ‘Running Point’ reimagines the classic underdog sports story with offbeat humor and sharp wit. Isla’s antics create a perfect mix of basketball and comedy, while the show’s carefully chosen locations heighten the absurdity, ensuring every scene is as dynamic as it is entertaining.
Running Point Filming Locations
With the Los Angeles Lakers at the heart of ‘Running Point,’ the series is filmed entirely in Los Angeles, California, ensuring an authentic and immersive feel. Various real-life locations bring this loosely inspired true story to life, grounding its humor and chaos in a setting that feels both grand and intimately connected to basketball culture. Principal photography for the inaugural season began in February 2024 and reportedly wrapped up in May of the same year.
Los Angeles, California
‘Running Point’ is deeply rooted in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. The production team strategically selected iconic locations throughout the city to authentically depict the high-stakes world of professional basketball management. Central to the series is the Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as the Staples Center, located at 1111 South Figueroa Street. Serving as the home court for the fictional Los Angeles Waves, this arena provides a dynamic atmosphere and modern facilities essential for capturing intense game sequences and pivotal team events.
To portray the rigorous training and behind-the-scenes preparations of the team, the production utilizes the UCLA Health Training Center, situated at 2275 East Mariposa Avenue, El Segundo. This state-of-the-art facility consolidates the Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball and business operations under one roof, offering an amenity-rich environment for both players and staff. Spanning 122,000 square feet, the center features two full-size basketball courts, a 5,000-square-foot training room equipped with a single-chamber cryogenics machine, custom-sized plunge pools with spa jets, and a HydroWorx therapy pool with an integrated treadmill.
Additionally, the facility includes a 30-person capacity theater room with custom-made seats tailored for players, a vintage restored barber shop chair, and a sauna and steam room. These top-tier amenities not only enhance the realism of the training scenes but also provide the cast and crew with a comprehensive understanding of a professional basketball team’s daily operations. The Los Angeles Athletic Club, located at 431 W 7th Street, serves as the setting for the team’s executive offices and high-profile meetings. This historic club adds a touch of elegance and tradition to the series, highlighting the strategic and managerial aspects of running a professional basketball team.
For scenes depicting community outreach events and charity functions, the picturesque campus of Pepperdine University at 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, is utilized. These moments underscore the team’s commitment to engaging with the local community and fostering meaningful connections beyond the basketball court. The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, situated at 900 W Olympic Boulevard, is featured in scenes showcasing high-stakes negotiations and glamorous team celebrations. This luxury hotel epitomizes the opulent lifestyle associated with professional sports, providing a sophisticated backdrop for the series’ more extravagant moments.
Kaling emphasized the significance of casting Hudson in the lead role in an interview, stating, “Kate is so iconically L.A. She’s from her own Hollywood dynasty. She has known Jeanie since she was a kid. She has been going to Lakers games since she was little. She is really involved in that L.A. world.” This deep-rooted connection enhances the authenticity of the series, bridging the gap between fiction and reality. Through filming in these diverse and emblematic Los Angeles locations, ‘Running Point’ captures the essence of the city’s basketball culture, providing an immersive and genuine experience for viewers. The careful selection of settings not only grounds the narrative in a realistic environment but also celebrates the richness of Los Angeles’ sports and entertainment scene.
