Locked-Out NBA Stars Explore Hollywood

NBAplayers with time on their hands due tothe league's ongoing labor dispute are finding that showbiz offers an opportunity to fill their schedules.While some star athletes have long maintained production companies or record labels, the lockout has provided a chance for new business.our editor recommends Justin Bieber MVP of NBA All-Star Celebrity GameJay-Z and Cohorts Sued for $5 Billion Over Brooklyn Basketball Development'Basketball Wives' Scores Slam Dunk in Social Media Study Earlier in October, NY Knicks starAmare Stoudemirepitched to a handful of major networks a half-hour scripted comedy that he is developing with producersJeff KwatinetzandHappy Walters, who is Stoudemire's agent and president of Rogue Sports, Relativity Media's sports business. In September, the Oklahoma City Thunder'sKevin Durantdecamped to Baton Rouge, La., to play himself oppositeBrandon T. Jacksonin Warner Premiere'sSwitch, a family comedy centered on a magic twist that transfers Durant's skills to an enthusiastic fan. Such deals aren't just about cashing a paycheck.Jeff Marksof sports business consultancy Premier Partnerships says that the projects are important for developing athletes' brands. "They aren't doing this for free, but at the end of the day, Amare Stoudemire doesn't need an extra endorsement deal or two," Marks says. "I think it is about the personal brand." Philadelphia 76ers forwardElton Brandis president of Gibraltar Films, which producedWerner Herzog's 2007 dramaRescue Dawn.Baron Davisof the Cleveland Cavaliers is a co-founder of L.A.-based Verso Entertainment, which producedStacy Peralta's 2008 documentaryCrips and Bloods: Made in America. Davis is spending the lockout focusing on producing the documentaryAmerican Schlub, which explores the downfall of men's style, and starring in a pilot for a variety show. Davis, who is working on a film and TV studies minor at UCLA, also is taking acting classes. Whether he'll have time to become a star off the court remains to be seen, but if the NBA season is canceled, the projects have an added benefit. Says Marks, "I think it is also about keeping these guys busy." Related Topics