Jerry West demands retraction, apology over portrayal in HBO series 'Winning Time'

Former Los Angeles Lakers executive Jerry West demanded a retraction and an apology for what he called «a baseless and malicious assault» on his character in the HBO series «Winning Time,» in a letter sent by his legal team to the network and producer Adam McKay on Tuesday evening, which was obtained by ESPN.

West's lawyers allege that «Winning Time falsely and cruelly portrays Mr. West as an out-of-control, intoxicated rage-aholic,» which «bears no resemblance to the real man,» and ask for a retraction no later than two weeks from the receipt of the letter.

«The portrayal of NBA icon and LA Lakers legend Jerry West in 'Winning Time' is fiction pretending to be fact — a deliberately false characterization that has caused great distress to Jerry and his family,» said Skip Miller, a partner at the Miller Barondess, LLP law firm in Los Angeles and attorney for West. «Contrary to the baseless portrayal in the HBO series, Jerry had nothing but love for and harmony with the Lakers organization, and in particular owner Dr. Jerry Buss, during an era in which he assembled one of the greatest teams in NBA history.

»Jerry West was an integral part of the Lakers and NBA's success. It is a travesty that HBO has knowingly demeaned him for shock value and the pursuit of ratings. As an act of common decency, HBO and the producers owe Jerry a public apology and at the very least should retract their baseless and defamatory portrayal of him."

West's lawyers say that HBO's disclaimer that the series is a «dramatization» does not insulate the network from liability.

HBO did not immediately respond or comment on West's letter.

The series, which has been airing Sunday nights this spring on HBO, is based on author Jeff Pearlman's book