Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

Winning Time pulls you into the Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s, not just as a basketball machine but as a full blown media circus and cultural phenomenon. The series traces how a brash, charismatic owner in Jerry Buss builds a franchise with eyes on spectacle as much as championships. It centers on Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's meteoric rise and his magnetic pull on teammates and fans, while Pat Riley's evolving coaching persona and Jerry West's stubborn pursuit of perfection shape every move. Behind the glitter, the show peels back the personal costs, the negotiations, the egos, and the politics that turning a team into a dynasty requires. The tone blends sharp humor with drama to capture an era when hoops collided with Hollywood.

Released in 2022 on HBO, the series was developed by Max Borenstein, Jim Hecht and Jeff Pearlman and directed by a rotating team. It blends design with a contemporary sensibility and draws on Pearlman's book about the Lakers Showtime era.

It earned multiple nominations at major awards ceremonies, underscoring its craft and performances. Critics highlighted the ensemble led by John C Reilly as Jerry Buss, Adrien Brody as Pat Riley, and Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson, whose chemistry and charisma anchor the show. Its production design and score drew praise.

Beyond the court, the show sparked conversations about the 1980s sports boom and the politics of fame. It produced memorable lines and scenes that circulated in sports media and fan communities, helping redefine the Lakers era for a new generation.

Critics praised its brisk pace, sharp humor and stylish direction, noting how it balances showmanship with character study. Core themes include ambition and control, media influence, race in sports, and the costs of chasing a legacy. Viewers came away with a sharper sense of how fame, money, and sport collide.