HBO responds to Jerry West demanding 'Winning Time' retraction: 'Not a documentary'

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HBO responded Tuesday against criticisms of its sports drama series: "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty."

Jerry West and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were among former Los Angeles Lakers personnel who expressed their displeasure over their depictions in the series, which documents the showtime era of the NBA franchise. West’s lawyers reportedly demanded a retraction over the depiction of West – played by actor Jason Clarke -- which allegedly describes him "as an out-of-control, intoxicated rage-aholic." 

"HBO has a long history of producing compelling content drawn from actual facts and events that are fictionalized in part for dramatic purposes. ‘Winning Time’ is not a documentary and has not been presented as such," HBO said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

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Jerry West #44 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on walking up court against the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA basketball game circa 1972 at the Milwaukee Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

"However, the series and its depictions are based on extensive factual research and reliable sourcing, and HBO stands resolutely behind our talented creators and cast who have brought a dramatization of this epic chapter in basketball history to the screen," the statement added. 

West was an executive for the Lakers from 1979 to 2000 after serving as a head coach from 1976 to 1979. He was a scout before becoming the team's general manager at the start of the 1982-83 season. In the 1980s, the Lakers won five championships.

West’s lawyers had asked for a retraction within two weeks of the letter – which was sent last