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WATCH: Why Lisa Leslie matters, now more than ever

By Arielle Chambers

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Lisa Leslie #9 of the Los Angeles Sparks poses for a portrait during the 2009 NBAE Circuit as part of the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 13, 2009 at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER:User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images).
PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Lisa Leslie #9 of the Los Angeles Sparks poses for a portrait during the 2009 NBAE Circuit as part of the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 13, 2009 at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER:User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images). /
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 “I’ve always had the opportunity to act, being in LA…but the problem is, I’m always playing Lisa Leslie. To have an opportunity to play a character like Betty Lou, that’s not me…but I love the opportunity to be her.”

Leslie will be alongside fellow basketball greats such as Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O’Neal, Nate Robinson, Reggie Miller and Chris Webber, in Uncle Drew, [SPOILER ALERT!] the story of Dax (Lil Rel Howery) spending his entire life savings entering his team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, only to endure hardships which lead him to losing the team. He then meets Uncle Drew (Kyrie Irving), who pushes him to return to the game he loves.

(Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)
(Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images) /

Off-camera, when the cast wasn’t debating whether the earth is flat or round, a conversation inevitable when Irving is present, they underwent extensive makeup and prosthetic transformation.  Though she claimed her real-life persona mirrors more of a “Lucille Ball,” Leslie detailed her enjoyment of playing the role of Betty Lou. She described her character as “feisty” 70 year old woman with a personality unlike hers.

The cast chemistry was another positive Leslie referenced. “Nate [Robinson] is just a comedian. He’s like the Kevin Hart of basketball.” As if Robinson’s hilarity weren’t enough, the [all-]star-studded cast is accompanied by known comedians Lil Rel, Tiffany Haddish and Nick Kroll.

Uncle Drew premiers on June 29, 2018.

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