8.2/101,680 votes#1 - The Swan
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 3/6/2022
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: N/A
7.7/101,277 votes#2 - Is That All There Is?
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 3/13/2022
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
Writer: Max Borenstein, Jim Hecht
7.8/101,171 votes#3 - The Good Life
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 3/20/2022
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
Writer: Max Borenstein, Jim Hecht
8.5/101,222 votes#4 - Who the F**k Is Jack McKinney?
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 3/27/2022
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
Writer: Max Borenstein, Jim Hecht
8.4/101,129 votes#5 - Pieces of a Man
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 4/3/2022
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
Writer: Max Borenstein, Rodney Barnes
7.7/101,001 votes#6 - Memento Mori
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 4/10/2022
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
Writer: Max Borenstein, Rodney Barnes, Rebecca Bertuch
8.5/101,097 votes#7 - Invisible Man
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 4/17/2022
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
Writer: Max Borenstein, Rodney Barnes
8.3/10986 votes#8 - California Dreaming
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 4/24/2022
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
Writer: Max Borenstein, Rodney Barnes
8.3/10936 votes#9 - Acceptable Loss
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 5/1/2022
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
Writer: Max Borenstein, Rodney Barnes
8.9/101,072 votes#10 - Promised Land
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 5/8/2022
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
Writer: Max Borenstein, Rodney Barnes
The Best Episodes of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1
Every episode of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1!
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...
Genres:DramaComedy
Network:HBO
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"The Swan" is the best rated episode of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" season 1. It scored 8.2/10 based on 1680 votes. Directed by Adam McKay and written by N/A, it aired on 3/6/2022. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Is That All There Is?".