8.5/102 votes#1 - The Second Coming
Season 2 Episode 3 - Aired 8/20/2023
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
Writer: Rodney Barnes
8.5/102 votes#2 - The New World
Season 2 Episode 4 - Aired 8/27/2023
Despite his record-breaking new contract, Earvin continues to butt heads with his teammates… and his domineering coach.
Director: Tanya Hamilton
Writer: Rodney Barnes
8.5/102 votes#3 - The Hamburger Hamlet
Season 2 Episode 5 - Aired 9/3/2023
After making his opinion of Westhead known, Earvin gives Buss an ultimatum – leaving West and Pat to pick up the pieces.
Director: Tanya Hamilton
Writer: Rodney Barnes
8.4/105 votes#4 - 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: Rodney Barnes
8.2/104 votes#5 - Everybody Hates Father's Day
Season 1 Episode 22 - Aired 5/11/2006
While Chris finds his dad the perfect gift Julius decides he would like to spend Father's Day alone...
Director: Ali LeRoi
Writer: Rodney Barnes
8.0/103 votes#6 - Everybody Hates the Lottery
Season 1 Episode 15 - Aired 2/16/2006
Chris receives a challenge to his crown of Asteroids champion. Julius and Rochelle agree to give up some guilty pleasures.
Director: Malcolm D. Lee
Writer: Rodney Barnes
8.0/105 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: Rodney Barnes
8.0/102 votes#8 - The Magic Is Back
Season 2 Episode 2 - Aired 8/13/2023
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
Writer: Rodney Barnes
7.8/105 votes#9 - 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: Rodney Barnes
7.5/102 votes#10 - Everybody Hates Halloween
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 10/27/2005
It's Halloween and Chris is excited when another girl invites him to a costume party. But Caruso has plans for him... Back at home, Julius buys cheap candy for the local kids.
Director: Eric Laneuville
Writer: Rodney Barnes
7.5/102 votes#11 - Everybody Hates DJs
Season 2 Episode 17 - Aired 3/19/2007
Chris is a hit as a DJ after the neighborhood DJ gets arrested during a party. Chris has a problem when he scratches Rochelle's James Brown album. Julius passes out when he sees a rabbit at a magic show he takes Drew to.
Director: Jerry Levine
Writer: Rodney Barnes
7.4/105 votes#12 - 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: Rodney Barnes
7.0/1020 votes#13 - Kingdom
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 12/5/2017
After their not-so-fearless leader is taken, our kids spring into action. Alex discovers long-buried secrets about his dad, as the kids uncover new truths about themselves.
Director: Jeffrey W. Byrd
Writer: Rodney Barnes
6.8/106 votes#14 - 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: Rodney Barnes
6.7/1019 votes#15 - The Ways of the Dead
Season 2 Episode 5 - Aired 4/7/2019
Shadow learns the ways of the dead with the help of Mr. Ibis and Mr. Nancy. In New Orleans, Mad Sweeney introduces Laura to old friends who share their world of voodoo healing. Mr. Wednesday embarks on a road trip with Salim and the Jinn.
Director: Salli Richardson-Whitfield
Writer: Rodney Barnes
6.7/106 votes#16 - 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: Rodney Barnes
6.2/1017 votes#17 - Tsunami
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 12/26/2017
PRIDE tries desperately to clean up their latest mess without involving Jonah. But can they handle this on their own?
Director: Millicent Shelton
Writer: Rodney Barnes
5.7/103 votes#18 - The Big Bad Fish Man
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 10/3/2021
The South Georgia State Fair is nearing and Jack’s doing all he can to keep his professional and personal lives intact. Staci has increasing suspicions that Jack played a larger role in Ace’s unexpected Heel-turn. Thomas is acting out in school, the DWL’s forced to audition additional wrestlers, and Jack stays busy warding off Charlie Gully from poaching his best talent, including Ace.
Director: Peter Segal
Writer: Rodney Barnes
3.0/103 votes#19 - All That I Got Is You
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 9/11/2019
Bobby and Dennis find a new hustle to make some cream.
Director: Tara Nicole Weyr
Writer: Rodney Barnes
Popular searches:
The Best Episodes Written By Rodney Barnes
Every TV Episode Written by Rodney Barnes Ranked from Best to Worst by Thousands of Voters
Rodney Barnes Ratings Summary
"The Second Coming" is the best rated episode written by Rodney Barnes. It scored 8.5/10 based on 2 votes. It was directed by Todd Banhazl. It aired on 8/20/2023 and is rated 0.0 points higher than their second-best episode, "The New World".