The NBA and Michael B. Jordan Celebrate 75 Years of Basketball Legends in Magnificent Ad

The NBA has launched 'NBA Lane', a brilliant short film featuring just about every great to ever grace the game. 

Created by Translation and directed by Superprime's Rick Famuyiwa and Emmett Malloy, the three-minute film has been launched ahead of the league's 75th anniversary season. It is set in a fictional neighbourhood where more than 30 NBA players and legends reside and actor and prodcuer Michael B. Jordan drives the local 'Hoopbus' in which he takes a group of kids to see the storied athletes and amusing everyday settings. 

Former rivals Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are friendly next-door neighbors; LeBron James tends to his garden; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar teaches Dirk Nowitzki the art of the hook shot; and Zion Williamson breaks a backboard at the street court. The upbeat and jovial nature of the spot at one point also takes a still, quiet moment to reflect on the passing of Kobe Bryant.

“NBA Lane was created as a way to honor both the history and future of the NBA,” said NBA chief marketing officer Kate Jhaveri. “We are thrilled to bring together some of the league’s greatest players and legends to celebrate not just the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Season, but also the connection fans have built with our game.”

“As someone who has been a member of the NBA Family for the past 65 years, I can truly say, like I do in NBA Lane, ‘This game just keeps getting better,’” added NBA legend Bill Russell. “Being a part of this film, alongside so many greats representing nearly eight decades of the league’s history, is a great thrill and a tremendous honour.”

NBA Lane will begin airing on television networks Sunday, Oct. 10.  Additionally, 30- and 60-second versions of the film will air across all platforms during the fall. More adaptations will be produced around marquee events throughout the season featuring a variety of new faces.The full cast of NBA Lane includes the following:

- Narrator and Bus Driver: Actor and producer Michael B. Jordan

- NBA Players: Carmelo Anthony (Los Angeles Lakers), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers), Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz), Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Russell Westbrook (Los Angeles Lakers) Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) and Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks).

- NBA Legends: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ray Allen, Larry Bird, Vlade Divac, Julius Erving, Artis Gilmore, Manu Ginóbili, Richard Hamilton, Grant Hill, Robert Horry, Magic Johnson, Dikembe Mutombo, Dirk Nowitzki, Gary Payton, Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, Isiah Thomas, Dwyane Wade, Bill Walton and Jerry West.

- Mascots: Benny the Bull (Chicago Bulls), Boomer (Indiana Pacers), Burnie (Miami Heat), Chuck the Condor (LA Clippers), G-Wiz (Washington Wizards), Hugo (Charlotte Hornets) and The Raptor (Toronto Raptors).

- Puppets: Lil Penny

According to an NBA press release: "Jordan’s participation in 'NBA Lane' stems from his love for the game of basketball and his shared commitment in spotlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). His Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic, taking place on Saturday, December 18th at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., will feature an HBCU doubleheader on TNT and highlight HBCU life and culture."