HBO’s 1980s LA Lakers Series Adds Sean Patrick Small as Larry Bird

Adam McKay series also brings on Olli Haaskivi as Nike founder Phil Knight

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Adam McKay’s upcoming (and still untitled) series about the 1980s-era Los Angeles Lakers has added two more key characters to its expansive roster: Larry Bird and Nike founder Phil Knight.

Sean Patrick Small will star as Bird, the Boston Celtics legend, whose memorable rivalry with Magic Johnson defined the NBA during that decade. Olli Haaskivi will play Knight, who co-founded Nike with Bill Bowerman in 1964, back when it was known as “Blue Ribbon Sports.”

Additional new castmembers announced Friday include Rachel Hilson as Cindy Day, a girlfriend of Magic Johnson, Newton Mayenge as veteran NBA forward Jim Chones and Jon Young as Lakers’ player Brad “Potsie” Holland.

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