Brenda Song, the actress from Netflix’s Running Point, is not just captivating viewers with her performances; she is also a die-hard fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. Her unwavering support for the team began when NBA legend Kobe Bryant was drafted into the league in 1996 as the 13th overall pick. Whether growing up in a suburb of Sacramento or later moving to Los Angeles at the age of six, it’s easy to see why Song has adopted the team's colors of purple and gold.
While her loyalty to the Lakers has sometimes led to friendly family rivalry against her Sacramento Kings-supporting relatives, it’s clear that her passion has served her well. Incredibly, in 2009, Brenda Song received a championship ring, a token of the Lakers' success, thanks to a unique connection with Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Lakers. During a recent appearance on the YouTube show Mythical Kitchen, Song shared her journey as a self-proclaimed “psychotic” basketball fan.
“Jeanie Buss’s sister-in-law used to bring her kids to the show a lot. And she saw how big a fan I was of the team. So when in 2009, they offered me the team ring, I was like ‘of course!’ and I bought it. It has my name on it,” Song explained, shedding light on how her fandom led to receiving this coveted piece of jewelry.
The ring symbolizes more than just an achievement; it represents Kobe Bryant's remarkable performance during the championship series, where he averaged 32.4 points and 7.4 assists. Song affectionately refers to it as “the ring Kobe won,” underscoring the special connection she feels with the Lakers’ legacy. Her involvement with the team also landed her a role in Running Point, where she portrays Ali Lee, the Chief of Staff for the Los Angeles Waves—a team inspired by the Lakers, with Buss serving as the show’s executive producer.
Interestingly, Brenda Song's journey to Lakers fandom was not always straightforward. Before falling in love with the Lakers during Kobe’s rise in the league, she was a Chicago Bulls fan, supporting Michael Jordan during her childhood due to her father's and brothers’ influence. However, Kobe’s arrival in Los Angeles marked a turning point for her allegiance.
The trade that brought Kobe Bryant from the Charlotte Hornets to the Lakers, initially thwarted as Vlade Divac resisted the move, proved fortuitous for Brenda Song. The acquisition not only secured her new favorite team but also set the stage for unforgettable basketball memories. She recalled the excitement and tension of the 2002 Western Conference Finals, where the Lakers faced off against her former home team, the Kings. The series became legendary for its intense matches.
Reflecting on Game 7 of that series, Song articulated the overwhelming emotions she experienced, saying, “At the hospital, I was literally trying to make myself throw up so I could watch the press conference, and they had to turn off the TVs in the hospital.” The game was a nail-biter, with the lead changing hands a remarkable 19 times, and the contest was tied 16 times, eventually going into double overtime before the Lakers triumphed 112-106.
Switching gears, the world of Running Point features another iconic actress, Kate Hudson, who plays Isla Gordon, an underachieving former party girl unexpectedly put in charge of her family's basketball team. Co-created by fellow actress Mindy Kaling, Running Point uses humor to tackle the theme of nepotism, poking fun at the characters' familial ties in the world of sports.
Kate Hudson is no stranger to family influence, being the daughter of Hollywood stars Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Nevertheless, she asserts that being a “nepo baby” doesn't necessarily translate into success. Hudson noted, “So, nepotism could get your foot in the door...but you’re either going to be someone who makes it happen or not.” Her character, Isla, draws inspiration from Jeanie Buss, who became president of the Lakers after her father’s passing in 2013 and has since guided the team to success.
The unforeseen reunion between Hudson and Buss is truly remarkable. The two first met in the 1990s at the VIP lounge shared by the Lakers and Los Angeles Kings. Hudson recounts their encounter, “Jeanie ran the club and sort of kept me out of trouble. It was how I met her.” Their newfound collaboration on Running Point comes two decades after they lost contact—showcasing both their personal and professional growth.
Hudson's commitment to authenticity shines through her work, as does her appreciation for co-star Brenda Song’s sports knowledge. Describing Song’s expertise, Hudson remarked, “Brenda could have her own sports show. She knows more about sports than anybody I know, from trades to statistics.” This dynamic allowed for amusing moments on set as Song educated Hudson on basketball intricacies, turning their interactions into light-hearted exchanges.
As the series becomes available on Netflix, viewers can enjoy a unique blend of sports drama and comedy, brought to life by talented actresses who share a love for basketball, whether through personal experiences or professional endeavors. Catch Running Point and join the journey that blends family, sports, and the occasional chaos of both!
