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The Best Episodes of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

Every episode of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty!

Binge this in 15h 47m•Peaking at 7.2/10

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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 10 - Promised Land
    7.2/10(6 votes)

    #1 - Promised Land

    S1:E10

    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.

    Director:Salli Richardson-Whitfield
    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein

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  2. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 1 - The Swan
    7.0/10(9 votes)

    #2 - The Swan

    S1:E1

    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.

    Director:Adam McKay
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 7 - Invisible Man
    6.8/10(6 votes)

    #3 - Invisible Man

    S1:E7

    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.

    Director:Payman Benz
    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein

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  4. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 5 - Pieces of a Man
    6.7/10(6 votes)

    #4 - Pieces of a Man

    S1:E5

    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.

    Director:Tanya Hamilton
    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein

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  5. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 6 - Memento Mori
    6.3/10(6 votes)

    #5 - Memento Mori

    S1:E6

    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.

    Director:Tanya Hamilton
    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein, Rebecca Bertuch

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  6. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 2 - Is That All There Is?
    6.0/10(11 votes)

    #6 - Is That All There Is?

    S1:E2

    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.

    Director:Jonah Hill
    Writers:Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

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  7. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 3 - The Good Life
    5.9/10(11 votes)

    #7 - The Good Life

    S1:E3

    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.

    Director:Damian Marcano
    Writers:Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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  8. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 4 - Who the F**k Is Jack McKinney?
    5.4/10(8 votes)

    #8 - Who the F**k Is Jack McKinney?

    S1:E4

    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.

    Director:Damian Marcano
    Writers:Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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  9. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 9 - Acceptable Loss
    5.4/10(8 votes)

    #9 - Acceptable Loss

    S1:E9

    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.

    Director:Salli Richardson-Whitfield
    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein

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  10. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 Episode 8 - California Dreaming
    5.2/10(8 votes)

    #10 - California Dreaming

    S1:E8

    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.

    Director:Payman Benz
    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein

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  11. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 2 Episode 3 - The Second Coming
    4.8/10(4 votes)

    #11 - The Second Coming

    S2:E3

    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.

    Director:Todd Banhazl
    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein, Rebecca Bertuch

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  12. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 2 Episode 4 - The New World
    4.8/10(4 votes)

    #12 - The New World

    S2:E4

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

    Director:Tanya Hamilton
    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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  13. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 2 Episode 5 - The Hamburger Hamlet
    4.8/10(4 votes)

    #13 - The Hamburger Hamlet

    S2:E5

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

    Director:Tanya Hamilton
    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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  14. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 2 Episode 7 - What Is and What Should Never Be
    4.8/10(4 votes)

    #14 - What Is and What Should Never Be

    S2:E7

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

    Director:Salli Richardson-Whitfield
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 2 Episode 2 - The Magic Is Back
    4.5/10(4 votes)

    #15 - The Magic Is Back

    S2:E2

    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.

    Director:Trey Edward Shults
    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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  16. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 2 Episode 6 - "BEAT L.A."
    4.5/10(4 votes)

    #16 - "BEAT L.A."

    S2:E6

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

    Director:Salli Richardson-Whitfield
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 2 Episode 1 - One Ring Don't Make a Dynasty
    3.3/10(6 votes)

    #17 - One Ring Don't Make a Dynasty

    S2:E1

    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.

    Director:Salli Richardson-Whitfield
    Writers:Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein, Jeff Pearlman

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Best Episodes Summary

"Promised Land" is the best rated episode of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty". It scored 7.2/10 based on 6 votes. Directed by Salli Richardson-Whitfield and written by Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein, it aired on 5/8/2022. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Swan".