Cavaliers F LeBron James is "teaming with Showtime on a documentary that will examine the modern NBA and the league’s impact on popular culture worldwide," according to Tom Withers of the AP. James will "serve as an executive producer with long-time business partner Maverick Carter." The three-part documentary "will be directed by filmmaker Gotham Chopra and premiere" in '18. Chopra "previously produced and directed a successful documentary on Kobe Bryant" (AP, 6/28). In Cleveland, Joe Vardon notes Klutch Sports Group Founder Rich Paul, James' agent, is "also listed as a co-executive producer" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 6/29). Showtime Sports Exec VP & GM Stephen Espinoza said the doc will take a "comprehensive look at one of the most influential sports institutions in the world.” In Akron, Craig Webb notes this is the "latest in a series of deals" for James' SpringHill Entertainment. Its productions include the game show "The Wall" on NBC and the comedy "Survivor’s Remorse," which returns for its fourth season Aug. 20 on Starz (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 6/29).
