The Best Episodes Written By 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The precogs and Vega must come together to thwart a chemical attack by Memento Mori, meanwhile Blomfeld is determined to get the precogs back in the milk bath.

Blake withholds information from the Defense Intelligence Agency when he learns they are on the precogs' trail, and Arthur takes matters into his own hands to save them. Meanwhile, Dash gets a vision of a political assassination that intrudes into Vega's personal life.

Dash is a quiet, idealistic precog secretly living among society, who tries to use his ability to see future murders to save lives by teaming up with the brash, but shrewd, Detective Lara Vega.

Dash and Vega team up again to find a killer who is currently down on love. Meanwhile, Dash continues to reach out to his siblings for help.

A story of the past provides insight into the present evil that stalks the Terminal Islanders; Chester returns home to his family; Henry and Asako are faced with a difficult decision.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

In 1941, Chester Nakayama finds himself caught between his insular Japanese American neighborhood on Terminal Island, California, and his current life as an all-American guy. When extreme circumstances push both his community and personal life to the brink, Chester must grapple with what kind of a man he wants to be, all while someone watches closely.

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.

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.

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.