'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty': 5 things about HBO sports drama
The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most iconic and successful franchises in NBA history. Despite their current run this NBA season that's riddled with injuries and most importantly a poorly constructed roster that's seen them stuck in the ninth place in the Western Conference. This though doesn't change the fact that the Lakers — 17-time champions, 19 conference title winners and 33 division titles were and are still one of the more decorated teams to play ball.
So it doesn't necessarily come as a surprise that they get their own series that chronicles the rise and fame of the side in the 80s. Titled 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty', the 10-episode series, based on Jeff Pearlman’s book 'Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty' of the 1980s is a dramedy that puts the spotlight on Jerry Buss and Magic Johnson. No stranger to sports content, HBO will hope the series will meet the same level of success that some of its key dramas in 2021 did.
RELEASE DATE
When will 'Winning Time' release?
The ten-episode limited miniseries is slated to premiere on March 6 and will drop one episode every week up to May 8, 2022.
What is the sports drama about?
Per TV Line, the synopsis reads, "Based on Jeff Pearlman’s book Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s, it follows “the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties — a team that defined an era, both on and off the court.”
Cast
The ensemble cast includes Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson, Jason Clarke as Jerry West, Adrien Brody as Pat Riley, Gaby Hoffmann as Claire Rothman, Tracy Letts as Jack McKinney, Jason Segel as Paul Westhead, Julianne Nicholson as Cranny McKinney, and Hadley Robinson as Jeanie Buss.
Also starring are DeVaughn Nixon as Norm Nixon, Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tamera Tomakili as Earleatha “Cookie” Kelly, Brett Cullen as Bill Sharman, Stephen Adly Guirgis as Frank Mariani, Spencer Garrett as Chick Hearn, Sarah Ramos as Cheryl Pistono, Molly Gordon as Linda Zafrani, Joey Brooks as Lon Rosen, Delante Desouza as Michael Cooper, Jimel Atkins as Jamaal Wilkes, Austin Aaron as Mark Landsberger, Jon Young as Brad Holland, with Rob Morgan as Earvin Johnson Sr. and Sally Field as Jessie Buss.
Showrunner/Director
'Winning Time' is co-created by Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht. The former also serves as the EP alongside Adam McKay.
Trailer