HBO's 'Winning Time': Bob Ryan, Jeff Pearlman argue over Jerry West's 'embarassing' portrayal
Renowned basketball writer Bob Ryan called out Jeff Pearlman, author of 'Showtime,' a book about the '80s Lakers, arguing the portrayal of former Lakers legend and head coach Jerry West in the HBO series 'Winning Time'. He slammed the portrayal as “reprehensible” and “borderline criminal". Per the New York Post, Ryan, who began covering the Boston Celtics had an argument with Pearlman about the way West was characterized. Jason Clark who plays the role was shown to be a man with breathtaking temper issues.
Speaking on Colin Cowherd’s podcast earlier this month, he said, "I will need a barf bucket before it’s over,” Ryan said. “I think the only thing that’s true that they based it on was that it’s about the Lakers. About everything else is fantasy. If I were Jerry West, I would say call my lawyers. I don’t know what Jerry West ever did to (series director) Adam McKay to be portrayed in such an unflattering light, an unrealistic light, an embarrassing light, and that’s just for openers.”
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Pearlman was unhappy with the portrayal as well and so were some big names in the NBA circuit. "Love @globebobryan, but a bit over these takes. A. It's NOT a documentary; B. I interviewed 350 people for "Showtime," and "Winning Time" creators were incredibly detailed, precise, honoring of the source material; C. It's no different than "Remember the titans," "42," [1]" He wrote in a series of tweets.
He followed it up by saying, "Zero percent different,” Pearlman tweeted. “It’s not dishonoring anyone. A-n-y-o-n-e. Truth be told, the show is reminding people of Showtime’s greatness, and evoking rich memories of a glorious time in NBA history. Are the characters exact fits? No. They’re (wait for it) actors using (wait for it) scripts written by (wait for it) writers. And the writing is insanely sharp, smart, cool. When I saw the saga of Jack McKinney on screen, I nearly wept tears of joy. “When I see Mark Landsberger, Jim Chones, Ron Boone, etc—same. So much of this material had turned history’s ghost. So, no, it’s not a documentary. Yes, leaps and flourishes are taken. But the show is f–king brilliant, and I’m a VERY proud author.”
Love @globebobryan, but a bit over these takes. A. It's NOT a documentary; B. I interviewed 350 people for "Showtime," and "Winning Time" creators were incredibly detailed, precise, honoring of the source material; C. It's no different than "Remember the Titans," "42," [1] https://t.co/KQVXhRD6Ls
— Jeff Pearlman (@jeffpearlman) April 15, 2022
wept tears of joy. When I see Mark Landsberger, Jim Chones, Ron Boone, etc—same. So much of this material had turned history's ghost. So, no, it's not a documentary. Yes, leaps and flourishes are taken. But the show is fucking brilliant, and I'm a VERY proud author.
— Jeff Pearlman (@jeffpearlman) April 15, 2022
In response, Ryan tweeted: "Jeff, I have said that though it is presented as a “ dramatization,” gullible people will still think it’s based on fact. The Jerry West portrayal is reprehensible and borderline criminal. His three words to Adam McKay should be “See my lawyer.”
HBO renewed the show for a new season. Talking about the second season, Francesca Orsi, EVP, HBO Programming, was all praise. “It’s been a thrill to bring Winning Time to life with Adam McKay, Max Borenstein, our phenomenal producing team, and this incredible cast," he said. "This series not only tells the riveting story of the Lakers’ rise, but is also a look back at a transformative era in basketball, celebrity, and the city of Los Angeles. We can’t wait to see how this team will tell the next chapter of this dynasty," he added in a statement.