Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty
Everybody wants a piece.
A fast-break series chronicling the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties — a team that defined an era, both on and off the court.
Seasons
1. The Swan
Air Date: 2022-03-06
1979. Businessman Jerry Buss stakes his fortune on the purchase of the NBA's lackluster Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, the team's head coach, Jerry West, bristles at the prospect of drafting college phenom Earvin Johnson – who must decide if he's ready to live up to the mantle of his nickname: Magic.
2. Is That All There Is?
Air Date: 2022-03-13
After giving Coach West carte blanche with the Lakers roster, Buss attempts to charm fellow franchise owner of the Celtics, Red Auerbach. Meanwhile, Earvin's efforts to impress the women in his life fall flat, and Claire's mandate to get creative brings conflict with Buss' daughter, Jeanie.
3. The Good Life
Air Date: 2022-03-20
Leaving the Lakers to deal with the fallout of Coach West's shocking announcement, Buss travels to Las Vegas, and soon becomes entangled with a dangerous foe. Back in LA, Earvin finds himself alone in a new city, while former Laker Pat Riley seeks out a new place within the team.
4. Who the F**k Is Jack McKinney?
Air Date: 2022-03-27
As the Lakers head to Palm Springs for the start of training camp, Buss finds himself in over his head financially, and the team's new coaches struggle to prove their vision for a groundbreaking method of play. Meanwhile, Jeanie works to bring her father's flair to the Forum.
5. Pieces of a Man
Air Date: 2022-04-03
As the Lakers prepare for their season opener against the Clippers, an increasingly frustrated Kareem begins to doubt his place on the team – allowing Coach McKinney to stoke his growing rivalry with Earvin. Jeanie courts star talent for newly minted cheer squad, the Laker Girls, including a promising young dancer, Paula Abdul.
6. Memento Mori
Air Date: 2022-04-10
Assistant coach Paul Westhead adds to the Lakers' growing list of problems when he finds himself dealing with a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. Increasingly courted by corporate sponsors, Earvin consults a newfound financial advisor.
7. Invisible Man
Air Date: 2022-04-17
While Buss clashes with West over the coaching staff, Paul calls in a favor from Pat Riley. On the road for the first time, Earvin attempts to reconnect with loved ones in Lansing, before heading to Boston to square off against longtime rival Larry Bird.
8. California Dreaming
Air Date: 2022-04-24
As the Lakers continue their successful run, Paul and Pat are forced to reckon with the tenuous nature of their positions. Then, Earvin meets his childhood hero at the NBA All-Star game, where he receives some sage advice. Jessie convinces Jeanie to help shield her father from a devastating truth.
9. Acceptable Loss
Air Date: 2022-05-01
As the Lakers prepare to enter the play-offs, Buss struggles with the team's tenuous coaching situation and his mother's failing health. Later, Haywood receives an ultimatum from Kareem.
10. Promised Land
Air Date: 2022-05-08
Down two men and with the 1980 NBA Championship on the line, the outnumbered Lakers look to an unlikely source for inspiration. In Philly, Earvin faces off against his role-model-turned-rival Dr. J, while in LA, Haywood grapples with his own worst enemy: himself.
1. One Ring Don't Make a Dynasty
Air Date: 2023-08-06
1980. As the Lakers' post-victory season begins, a laser-focused Jerry Buss shores up his all-star roster – and his relationship with his children. Later, a catastrophic injury threatens the team's chance at defending their title.
2. The Magic Is Back
Air Date: 2023-08-13
When Earvin’s return threatens the Lakers’ new "system," Pat Riley and Jerry West push for a risky trade. While Coach Westhead fights for his team, Jeanie clashes with her brothers, and a melancholy Buss attempts to court a figure from his past.
3. The Second Coming
Air Date: 2023-08-20
In the 1970s, Larry Bird rises from small-town college drop-out to the Celtics' top pick. Later, Earvin presses Buss for a better deal.
4. The New World
Air Date: 2023-08-27
Despite his record-breaking new contract, Earvin continues to butt heads with his teammates… and his domineering coach.
5. The Hamburger Hamlet
Air Date: 2023-09-03
After making his opinion of Westhead known, Earvin gives Buss an ultimatum – leaving West and Pat to pick up the pieces.
6. "BEAT L.A."
Air Date: 2023-09-10
Following a series of triumphant wins and devastating losses, the Lakers vie for a face-off with the Celtics – and Larry Bird.
7. What Is and What Should Never Be
Air Date: 2023-09-17
Tensions between the Lakers and Celtics flair as Earvin and Larry each fight to the bitter end of the 1984 NBA Finals.
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Rating
7.7/10
Release Date
2022-03-06
Episodes
17 (2 seasons)
Status
Canceled
Cast
Videos
Production Companies
Hyperobject Industries
Jim Hecht Productions
Jason Shuman Productions
Steeplechase Amusements