7

Jun

Lane Violation

Beers, buckets and Bogut: Longley's Lane Violation

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Beers, buckets and Bogut: Longley's Lane Violation
Beers, buckets and Bogut: Longley's Lane Violation

Luc Longley talks to Andrew Bogut as the sun sets on another day in Longley's paradise. Photo: Courtesy ESPN

New documentary Lane Violation explores the career of FIBA Hall of Famer Andrew Bogut

Australian basketball legends Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut are long retired and the only hops between them now seems to be in the overt product placement beer in the soon-to-be released documentary Lane Violation.

Longley, 56, narrates the doco focused on Bogut's career, who burst on to the scene as the No1 NBA Draft pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005.

The two literal giants of Australian basketball, although, both 7-feet tall, didn't always see eye to eye.

Australian basketball big men Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut share a brew as part of the new documentary Lane Violation. Photo: Courtesy ESPN

In a pre-draft interview in 2005, Bogut declared Longley to be slow, unathletic, and unfit to lace up his size eighteens. Longley, who won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls between 1996 and 1998, shot back: "Bogut should pull his head in."

“Luc and I have had an interesting history, but our respect and friendship today has grown out of that past," Bogut said as part of Lane Violation.

"As the only two 7-footer Aussies to make it in the USA, we both hold a deep appreciation for the sport itself and a passion to drive basketball's presence in Australia.”

Andrew Bogut #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks in game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Detroit Pistons during the 2006 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2006 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Pistons won the game 109-98, giving them a 2-0 lead in the series. Photo: Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images

The two men are now part of the Sydney Kings NBL organisation. Bogut, a former owner, will soon join Brian Goorjian on the sidelines as an assistant for NBL26 while Longley remains a part owner of the team.

"Bogues’ career is unrivalled in Aussie basketball history, from his achievements in College at Utah, to his selection as number one NBA Draft pick, to the memorable championship with Golden State Warriors, and his bold return to play with the Sydney Kings in the NBL," Longley said.

"Along the journey he faced the challenge of injury, the stark reality of being traded, and overcame it all in his typical direct and determined style.”

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andrew Bogut #12 and Klay Thompson #11. Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Bogut, 40, was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame this year. He is a columnist for basketball.com.au

Lane Violation documents his career from the College of Utah, to Milwaukee, and his NBA championship with Steph Curry's Golden State Warriors under head coach Steve Kerr as well as the Australian Boomers.

Longley's former teammate and Bogut's coach Steve Kerr is part of the new documentary Lane Violation. Photo: Courtesy ESPN.

Kerr, 59, played with Longley on those three championship teams with Michael Jordan in the late 90s and coached Bogut for four years in California.

"Andrew was right, he was no Luc Longley ... way better," Kerr said — with a smile on his face and slight chuckle.

Lane Violation premieres on June 11, 2025, at 8pm (AEST) on ESPN. It will then be available on-demand from Kayo and Disney+.

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