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.
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is available to stream on HBO (Via Hulu), HBO Max, and Max (Via Amazon Prime) in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Adam McKayWritten by Max Borenstein, Jim Hecht, Max BorensteinGuest stars Michael O'Keefe, Kate Arrington, Sean Small, Kirk Bovill, Jerry Zucker, David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, Daniel Deyoung
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Jonah HillWritten by Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max BorensteinGuest stars Michael Chiklis, LisaGay Hamilton, Lola Kirke, Rachel Hilson, Carter Redwood, Lucy Walters, Rickey Brown, Darone Okolie
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Damian MarcanoWritten by Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Damian MarcanoWritten by Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max BorensteinGuest stars Jack Doke, Olivia Puckett
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Tanya HamiltonWritten by Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Tanya HamiltonWritten by Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein, Rebecca Bertuch
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Payman BenzWritten by Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Payman BenzWritten by Rodney Barnes, Max BorensteinGuest stars Natalia Cordova-Buckley
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Salli Richardson-WhitfieldWritten by Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Salli Richardson-WhitfieldWritten by Rodney Barnes, Max BorensteinGuest stars Jack Doke
