LeBron James amped over JuJu Watkins' self-produced docuseries "On The Rise' premiering Nov. 23
On Monday, LeBron James of the LA Lakers shared his enthusiasm for a new documentary series produced by USC standout JuJu Watkins. James posted in his Instagram story to amplify the Peacock show, "On The Rise," which will also star Watkins.
According to Sports Illustrated, "On The Rise" will premiere on Saturday, Nov. 23. It will air on both NBC and Peacock at 3 p.m. ET. The show is scheduled to be released before the No. 3 USC Trojans' game against the No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at 4 p.m. ET. Two episodes will reportedly air that day, with the rest to be released for streaming.
State Farm, 4.4.Forty Media and UNINTERRUPTED are the series' sponsors. James from UNINTERRUPTED is one of the project's executive producers. This is why the Lakers star couldn't help but share his excitement for the project with his fans and followers.
Danny Barton, an executive producer for 4.4.Forty Media and KLUTCH Sports’ VP of Sports Content, said via NBC that they want to share Watkins' story.
"From the beginning it was important that 'On the Rise: JuJu Watkins' shine a light on the real challenges and triumphs that JuJu and her family have faced along this journey," Barton said. "We’re grateful to our partners and NBC Sports for sharing JuJu’s inspirational story as she becomes the first collegiate women’s basketball player to star in and executive produce her own show."
Watkins is one of the best college stars in the country. In her freshman year for the Trojans, she averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. On the defensive end, she's established herself as one of the top defenders. The USC guard had 2.3 steals and 1.6 blocks.
Also read: JJ Redick excited about Lakers' 'responsiveness', while LeBron James makes diplomatic assessment of 10-game sample size
LeBron James is one of Watkins' biggest supporters
Lebron James has shown his support for JuJu Watkins since she started her basketball career. During her appearance on Paul George's "Podcast P with Paul George" in April, the college star talked about how she appreciates James. She spoke highly of the gesture the Lakers star made when he gave her advice.
“Every time I see him, it’s like, ‘Keep going.’ Stuff like that,” Watkins said (24:53). “Just what he’s able to accomplish. I think it’s just already inspiring just how far he’s come. For him to really take his time out of his day and come watch us play is amazing.”
Watkins has started her sophomore year and is picking up where she left off. In her first game this season (on Nov. 4 in Paris), she posted 27 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals and five blocks. Her performance helped USC to a 68-66 win over then-No. 20 Ole Miss.
Also read: Raptors' $4.3M guard publicly calls out LeBron James-led Lakers' transition defense in bold remark: "They don't really want to get back"