The Best Episodes of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   8.2/10(1748 votes)

   #1 - The Swan

   S1:E13/6/2022

   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:Unknown

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   Director:Adam McKay

   Writer:Unknown
2. 

   7.7/10(1343 votes)

   #2 - Is That All There Is?

   S1:E23/13/2022

   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

   Writers:Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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   Director:Jonah Hill

   Writers:Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein
3. 

   7.8/10(1235 votes)

   #3 - The Good Life

   S1:E33/20/2022

   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

   Writers:Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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   Director:Damian Marcano

   Writers:Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein
4. 

   8.5/10(1283 votes)

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

   S1:E43/27/2022

   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

   Writers:Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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   Director:Damian Marcano

   Writers:Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein
5. 

   8.4/10(1189 votes)

   #5 - Pieces of a Man

   S1:E54/3/2022

   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

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein

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   Director:Tanya Hamilton

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein
6. 

   7.7/10(1061 votes)

   #6 - Memento Mori

   S1:E64/10/2022

   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

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein, Rebecca Bertuch

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   Director:Tanya Hamilton

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein, Rebecca Bertuch
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7. 

   8.5/10(1153 votes)

   #7 - Invisible Man

   S1:E74/17/2022

   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

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein

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   Director:Payman Benz

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein
8. 

   8.3/10(1043 votes)

   #8 - California Dreaming

   S1:E84/24/2022

   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

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein

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   Director:Payman Benz

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein
9. 

   8.3/10(989 votes)

   #9 - Acceptable Loss

   S1:E95/1/2022

   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

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein

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   Director:Salli Richardson-Whitfield

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein
10. 

    8.9/10(1132 votes)

    #10 - Promised Land

    S1:E105/8/2022

    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

    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein

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    Director:Salli Richardson-Whitfield

    Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein