The Best Episodes of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 2

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   4.4/10(8 votes)

   #1 - One Ring Don't Make a Dynasty

   S2:E18/6/2023

   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:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein, Jeff Pearlman

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   Director:Salli Richardson-Whitfield

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein, Jeff Pearlman
2. 

   5.7/10(6 votes)

   #2 - The Magic Is Back

   S2:E28/13/2023

   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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   Director:Trey Edward Shults

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein
3. 

   5.8/10(6 votes)

   #3 - The Second Coming

   S2:E38/20/2023

   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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   Director:Todd Banhazl

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Max Borenstein, Rebecca Bertuch
4. 

   6.0/10(6 votes)

   #4 - The New World

   S2:E48/27/2023

   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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   Director:Tanya Hamilton

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein
5. 

   5.5/10(6 votes)

   #5 - The Hamburger Hamlet

   S2:E59/3/2023

   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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   Director:Tanya Hamilton

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein
6. 

   5.2/10(5 votes)

   #6 - "BEAT L.A."

   S2:E69/10/2023

   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

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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   Director:Salli Richardson-Whitfield

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein
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7. 

   6.0/10(6 votes)

   #7 - What Is and What Should Never Be

   S2:E79/17/2023

   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

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein

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   Director:Salli Richardson-Whitfield

   Writers:Rodney Barnes, Jim Hecht, Max Borenstein