Filming for Space Jam 2, the sequel to the 1996 classic Space Jam, will start this summer. Michael Jordan held the starring role in the original, and LeBron James will continue his quest to follow in Jordan’s footsteps and take the lead role in the sequel. The film will be produced by Ryan Coogler, who directed the blockbusters Creed and Black Panther.

So far, the cast includes LeBron, retired NBA players and stars of the original Charles Barkley and Shawn Bradley, rapper Lil Pump and actors Sonequa Martin-Green, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Derrick Gilbert. To round out the cast, LeBron and the production crew will need to recruit a few more current NBA players.

Everyone wants to know who is going to be in the movie. After all, Space Jam was one of the defining movies of my generation’s childhood – a cult classic for basketball players. You’d think most players would jump at the chance to star in the sequel to their favorite childhood movie. Actually, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that LeBron is currently having trouble landing his “top guys”.

I don’t have any insider knowledge, but I’m going to do my best to figure out which players would make for the best supporting cast. First of all, there are a few stipulations. The cast won’t be a collection of MVP candidates and All-NBA stars. Remember the original cast? While Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing were universally known studs, Muggsy Bogues and Shawn Bradley were known mostly for their iconic size and Larry Johnson was a fine player but nothing special.

Many of the elite NBA players will decline – either because they won’t want a supporting role in LeBron’s movie or because they have other priorities in the offseason. Let’s be honest: not everyone wants to be a movie star. Some players would rather spend their summer working on their game, lying on a beach, or spending time with family than study scripts.

We’ll find out soon enough which players agree to take part in the film. With that said, here are my top picks for the five main supporting roles:

Boban Marjanovic

Via @BobanMarjanovic on Twitter

The new cast does not necessarily need to replicate the original cast, but there does need to be an awkwardly massive human being. Boban is, without a doubt, the perfect candidate for this role. He’s got the charisma to become a certified star.

Trae Young

Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images

We already know LeBron is a fan of Young. He’s got a unique blend of skills (long-range shooting, creative passing, playmaking) that make him suitable for a movie character. He’s a fan of the spotlight, as shown by those custom “Ice Trae” kicks, and he isn’t afraid to speak his mind. Young is a rising star and Space Jam 2 is the perfect platform to elevate his status.

Anthony Davis

Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Is this one too obvious? Probably, but sometimes the obvious choice is the right one. LeBron and Davis are connected through agent Rich Paul and Klutch Sports (which LeBron is definitely not involved with). The attempted coup to get Davis to Los Angeles in February might’ve destroyed the Pelicans and Lakers’ seasons, but Davis and LeBron are probably closer than ever. I can already envision the massive uni-brow on Davis’ animated space character.

Blake Griffin

There needs to be a few proven studs on the roster and Griffin certainly qualifies after having a career year in 2018-19. He’s also a standup comedian and a pretty good one at that (see above video). I’m sure Griffin wouldn’t mind an opportunity to return to Los Angeles for filming either.

Zion Williamson

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Everyone is infatuated with this kid right now. In terms of hype and expectations, Zion is the next LeBron. Some might argue Zion is already too big a star for the role, but I say what 18 year old kid wouldn’t want the chance to star in the next Space Jam?


Other candidates:

Dwyane Wade/Chris Paul/Carmelo Anthony: Can we really eliminate any of the Banana Boat Crew?

Joel Embiid: He’s a character in real life and would thrive in a Hollywood setting. He’d probably rather make his own movie than star in LeBron’s, though.

Chris Bosh: The man already resembles a velociraptor; he’d be a perfect space creature. If he was still active in the NBA, I’d consider Bosh a lock considering his friendship with LeBron. For those same reasons, I can’t rule him out either.

Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Isaiah Thomas: If they are looking for a true Mugsy replacement, IT is as close as it gets.

Channing Frye/Richard Jefferson: We know these guys are hilarious, but they aren’t good enough basketball players anymore to deserve serious consideration. I’d bet they’re involved in the production, though.

Lakers teammates: I could see any of Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Javale McGee playing a role. Heck, at this rate Alex Caruso may even steal the starring role from the King.

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