Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

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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.

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Creators and Cast

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Cast

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Episodes

Specials

6 episodes

S0 E1 · The Forum: Episode 1

On the official after-show, host and former Laker Rick Fox sits down with Quincy Isaiah (Magic Johnson) and Executive Producers Adam McKay and Max Borenstein to discuss the first episode.

S0 E2 · The Forum: Episode 2

Host and former Laker Rick Fox sits down with Jason Clarke, Quincy Isaiah, and Executive Producer and writer Rodney Barnes.

S0 E3 · The Forum: Episode 3

Host Rick Fox sits down with DeVaughn Nixon (Norm Nixon), Quincy Isaiah (Magic Johnson), and Executive Producer Jim Hecht to discuss Episode 3.

S0 E4 · The Forum: Episode 4

Host and former Laker Rick Fox sits down with Jason Segel (Paul Westhead), Gaby Hoffmann (Claire Rothman), and Executive Producer Max Borenstein to discuss Episode 4.

S0 E5 · The Forum: Episode 5

Host and former Laker Rick Fox sits down with Quincy Isaiah (Magic Johnson), Solomon Hughes (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and Executive Producer Rodney Barnes to discuss Episode 5.

S0 E6 · The Forum: Episode 6

No summary.

Season 1

10 episodes

S1 E1 · The Swan

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.

S1 E2 · Is That All There Is?

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.

S1 E3 · The Good Life

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.

S1 E4 · Who the F**k Is Jack McKinney?

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.

S1 E5 · Pieces of a Man

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.

S1 E6 · Memento Mori

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.

S1 E7 · Invisible Man

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.

S1 E8 · California Dreaming

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.

S1 E9 · Acceptable Loss

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.

S1 E10 · Promised Land

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.

Season 2

7 episodes

Season two continues to explore the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers. This season hones in on the period just after the Finals in 1980 through 1984, culminating in the first professional rematch of the era.s greatest stars: Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

S2 E1 · One Ring Don't Make a Dynasty

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.

S2 E2 · The Magic Is Back

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.

S2 E3 · The Second Coming

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.

S2 E4 · The New World

Despite his record-breaking new contract, Earvin continues to butt heads with his teammates… and his domineering coach.

S2 E5 · The Hamburger Hamlet

After making his opinion of Westhead known, Earvin gives Buss an ultimatum – leaving West and Pat to pick up the pieces.

S2 E6 · "BEAT L.A."

Following a series of triumphant wins and devastating losses, the Lakers vie for a face-off with the Celtics – and Larry Bird.

S2 E7 · What Is and What Should Never Be

Tensions between the Lakers and Celtics flair as Earvin and Larry each fight to the bitter end of the 1984 NBA Finals.

Trailers