‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’: Bo Burnham Almost Portrayed Larry Bird

Comedian, actor, and writer Bo Burnham was set to portray basketball legend Larry Bird in the drama TV series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. However, he later decided to drop out. Additionally, award-nominated actor Michael Shannon almost led the cast as Jerry Buss, but he also exited the series.

Bo Burnham was initially tapped to portray Larry Bird in ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’

In April 2019, HBO ordered a pilot for the Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht-created sports drama TV series.

Based on the 2014 Jeff Pearlman’s book, “Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s,” comedian, actor, singer, and filmmaker Bo Burnham was tapped to portray Celtics forward Larry Bird at his peak in the series.

Many fans wanted the portrayal as they already thought the writer resembled the basketball star and were interested in how he’d perform. Other than 2013’s Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous, Burnham hasn’t appeared in a show for multiple episodes.

However, in August 2021, sources reported the comedian’s exit from the upcoming series due to scheduling conflicts. Shortly before leaving the project, Burnham self-released comedy album, Inside (The Songs) which won three Primetime Emmy Awards.

Michael Shannon initially going to portray Jerry Buss in ‘Winning Time’

Written by Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht and based on Pearlman’s book, Academy Award winner Adam McKay directs the ensemble cast led by John C. Reilly and Jason Clarke.

Initially, the project’s title had something to do with “showtime” due to the exciting Lakers’ style of basketball during the era, but HBO executive Casey Bloys went with another name to avoid confusion with their premium competitor. Therefore, they decided on “winning time” due to its association with star player Magic Johnson.

Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Shannon was initially set to lead the cast alongside Clarke for Jerry Buss instead of Reilly but decided to leave the project, citing creative differences.

Reportedly, Shannon preferred not to have the fourth-wall-breaking format the show incorporates as he doesn’t enjoy working with it. Additionally, actor Will Ferrell allegedly wanted the role of Buss and ended his friendship with McKay when the director cast Reilly without informing him first. 

‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ cast is led by John C. Reilly and Jason Clarke

Reilly, who portrays Lakers owner Jerry Buss, and Clarke, who shows Lakers general manager Jerry West lead the ensemble cast with Quincy Isaiah as star point guard Magic Johnson, Solomon Hughes as center Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, DeVaughn Nixon as point guard Norm Nixon, Hadley Robinson as Jerry’s daughter, Jeanie Buss, Spencer Garrett as Lakers’ play-by-play announcer Chick Hearn, Kirk Bovill as then-Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, Delante Desouza as shooting guard Michael Cooper, Newton Mayenge as center and power forward Jim Chones, Adrien Brody as coach Pat Riley, Michael Chiklis as then Celtics head coach Red Auerbach, and Sean Patrick Small who replaced Burnham for the role of small forward for the Celtics, Larry Bird.

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty premieres on March 6 on HBO.