The BEST episodes of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty season 1

Every episode of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty season 1!

A fast-break series chronicling 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.

Last Updated: 9/9/2024Network: HBOStatus: Ended
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Promised Land
star
8.39
305 votes

#1 - 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.

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Invisible Man
star
8.08
306 votes

#2 - Invisible Man

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 4/17/2022

As the Lakers hit the road, Dr. Buss makes a dangerous bid with Coach Westhead, and Earvin's rivalry with Larry Bird is put to the test.

Directors: Payman Benz
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Who the F**k Is Jack McKinney?
star
8.08
332 votes

#3 - Who the F**k Is Jack McKinney?

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 3/27/2022

While training in Palm Springs, the introduction of a new playing style threatens to further divide an already fractured Lakers franchise.

Directors: Damian Marcano
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Acceptable Loss
star
8.07
306 votes

#4 - 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.

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Pieces of a Man
star
7.95
335 votes

#5 - Pieces of a Man

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 4/3/2022

While the Lakers prepare for their season opener, Kareem experiences a crisis of faith, and Buss clashes with those closest to him.

Directors: Tanya Hamilton
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California Dreaming
star
7.90
306 votes

#6 - California Dreaming

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 4/24/2022

McKinney's potential return threatens Paul and Pat's increasingly successful status quo, while Earvin and Buss each face shocking truths.

Directors: Payman Benz
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Swan
star
7.79
431 votes

#7 - The Swan

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 3/6/2022

Businessman Jerry Buss bets it all on the lackluster Los Angeles Lakers – and rookie phenom Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

Directors: Adam McKay
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Memento Mori
star
7.69
331 votes

#8 - 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.

Directors: Tanya Hamilton
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Is That All There Is?
star
7.64
368 votes

#9 - Is That All There Is?

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 3/13/2022

As Buss attempts to connect with a fellow franchise owner, Coach West and Claire face near impossible mandates, and Earvin looks for love.

Directors: Jonah Hill
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Good Life
star
7.55
341 votes

#10 - The Good Life

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 3/20/2022

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.

Directors: Damian Marcano
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV