Jason Clarke to play Jerry West in HBO Lakers drama 'Showtime'

The first cast member of HBO's upcoming drama pilot about the "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers has been announced.

Australian actor Jason Clarke - known for roles in such films as "First Man," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," and "Zero Dark Thirty" - has been cast as Jerry West in "Showtime," according to Variety's Joe Otterson. The one-hour series will chronicle the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Lakers.

West was selected second overall by the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1960 NBA Draft prior to the team's relocation to L.A. He spent his entire 14-year playing career with the Lakers and later served as head coach and general manager of the team.

The 1980s Lakers will also be the focus of a five-part documentary series titled "Showtime." There has been no release date announced yet for either project.