Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

Season 1

TV-MA
85%64%
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.

Where to Watch Season 1

10 Episodes

  • The Swan
    E1
    The Swan1979. 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.
  • Is That All There Is?
    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.
  • The Good Life
    E3
    The Good LifeLeaving 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.
  • Who the F**k Is Jack McKinney?
    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.
  • Pieces of a Man
    E5
    Pieces of a ManAs 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.
  • Memento Mori
    E6
    Memento MoriAssistant 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.
  • Invisible Man
    E7
    Invisible ManWhile 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.
  • California Dreaming
    E8
    California DreamingAs 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.
  • Acceptable Loss
    E9
    Acceptable LossAs 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.
  • Promised Land
    E10
    Promised LandDown 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.

Cast of Season 1

  • John C. ReillyJerry Buss
  • Quincy IsaiahEarvin 'Magic' Johnson
  • Jason ClarkeJerry West
  • Adrien BrodyPat Riley
  • Gaby HoffmannClaire Rothman
  • Jason SegelPaul Westhead
  • Tracy LettsJack McKinney
  • Hadley RobinsonJeanie Buss
  • DeVaughn NixonNorman 'Norm' Nixon
  • Solomon HughesKareem Abdul-Jabbar
  • Tamera TomakiliEarleatha 'Cookie' Kelly
  • Brett CullenBill Sharman
  • Stephen Adly GuirgisFrank Mariani
  • Spencer GarrettChick Hearn
  • Sarah RamosCheryl Pistono
  • Molly GordonLinda Zafrani
  • Joseph BrooksLon Rosen
  • Jimel AtkinsJamaal Wilkes
  • Rob MorganEarvin Johnson Sr.
  • Sally FieldJessie Buss
  • Jeff PearlmanWriter
  • Bruce DunnProducer
  • Douglas S. OrnsteinProducer

Season 1 Ratings & Reviews

Watch Season 1 Videos

  • Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: Season 1
    Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: Season 1Trailer
  • Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: The Craft Withrichard Toyon
    Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: The Craft Withrichard ToyonTrailer
  • Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: Training Time With Idan Ravin
    Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: Training Time With Idan RavinTrailer
  • Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: The Craft With Set Designer Argya Sadan
    Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: The Craft With Set Designer Argya SadanTrailer
  • Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: The Craft With Ep & Writer Rodney Barnes
    Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: The Craft With Ep & Writer Rodney BarnesTrailer
  • Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: Inside Look
    Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty: Inside LookBehind the Scenes

 

  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   

Take Plex everywhere

Watch free anytime, anywhere, on almost any device.
See the full list of supported devices