HBO's 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty' Review: Absolute delight for Lakers fans
'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty' is a hit. For all the issues the real-life personalities had with the dramatized storyline, this one is for the Los Angeles Lakers' ardents. Executive produced and directed by Adam McKay, the HBO series is a delight and while it does go pop and showtime with the tone and in terms of writing, it's extraordinary. This is another dynasty story and perhaps one for the ages especially with the liberty it takes on the dramatization front.
It's all there — graphic sex scenes, the copious use of expletives, the characters attempting to stand out by a notch. The show's central cast — John C. Reilly as Jerry Buss, the new owner of the Lakers, who has bought the team for a staggering $67.5 million. Up next on his to-do list is drafting Magic Johnson (Quincy Isiah) and against the whole notion is Jason Clarke's Jerry West, the former head coach of the decorated franchise. The characters are one of the factors behind the pilot's rousing reception on social media.
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The series starts off with news of Johnson's HIV diagnosis before rewinding the clock to show the larger-than-life personality who was primed to be the next big thing in the NBA. His nagging devout Christian folks who feel their son despite all the potential would fall prey to the rich and extravagant Los Angeles culture. Isiah is perfect as Johnson and equally promising is Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
What makes 'Winning Time' more enjoyable is how it thrives in adversity and ends up joking about it. When Buss buys a franchise that is believed to be sinking, he does so with the hope and staunch faith that he can get it back to its glory days. This would be the franchise that would give the Boston Celtics, another famed franchise a run for their money. The attitude is infectious, just as much as Johnson's toothy grin. There's no doubt that this sports drama will gain an audience by the episode and it appears the 10-episode series just might get another season.
One of the bigger complaints would be why the episode doesn't delve much into the character history, but that's certainly more of what we'll see in the chapters to come. Quite simply, this is a soothing balm to Lakers fans who are pretty much bummed about the way the current season's panning out.
'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty' airs Sunday nights at 9 pm ET on HBO.