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Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

Are you watching? This is one of the best series I've seen in many moons. The writing, the acting. It is so fucking good! If you're not watching you're missing a damned fine, and very funny show.

by Anonymousreply 58September 21, 2023 12:30 PM

But sportsball, right?

by Anonymousreply 1April 9, 2022 3:39 AM

Come ON, really? No one is watching this show? If that's the case, I feel sad for you. It's fabulous and so fun!

by Anonymousreply 2April 9, 2022 7:28 PM

Dynasty? The Celtics had a dynasty. The Lakers are just pretenders, now destroyed by LeBron James playing general manager. The Lakers will be mediocre for several years.

by Anonymousreply 3April 9, 2022 9:08 PM

I love it! But then, the subject matter is near & dear to my heart. I grew up in L.A. & lived through this. I was twelve when the Lakers drafted Magic, and I've been bleeding "Purple & Gold" ever since. (prior to that it had been Dodger Blue, hah).

I was a little wary when I first heard about it. John C. Reilly as Jerry Buss? Sure, yes, sounds great (and he is fantastic, as always), but how it the world were they going to find guys who could pull off Magic & Kareem?? Quincy Isaiah & Solomon Hughes have been a very pleasant surprise! The whole cast is great.

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by Anonymousreply 4April 9, 2022 10:45 PM

I wasn't feeling the first 3 episodes, although I thought the actors were great, but episode 4 was amazing. I found some of the scenes thrilling. And the last ep was so wonderful with the focus on Kareem. Solomon Hughes is really good in the role.

Too bad we didn't get any dick shots in the locker room, but I have to say that DeVaughn Nixon who is playing Stormin Norman is sooooooo sexy, I did appreciate that one shot in his briefs. Gorgeous. If they ever did a Prince bio, he would be perfect.

by Anonymousreply 5April 10, 2022 1:14 AM

R4, I lived through it too. I had season tickets and was at every game. Yes R3, there was a dynasty. You're talking about current events. This shit is history. You must not have been there. I was, I know. Anyone else that was there or knows the history of the team would say the same.

by Anonymousreply 6April 10, 2022 9:05 AM

I’ve been watching and enjoying it a lot.

by Anonymousreply 7April 10, 2022 10:54 AM

Finally. Seriously, no one else? Floored!

by Anonymousreply 8April 11, 2022 7:59 PM

R3 you're actually claiming the 80s Lakers weren't a dynasty?

You do realize they won 5 titles and went to 8 Finals during the decade, right?

That, my friend is a dynasty.

The Celtics ruled the 60s for sure.

Bulls the 90s.

All dynasties.

The show is pretty good, I guess. Even though I'm a die hard NBA fan, I'm just not sure if this story was dying to be told.

by Anonymousreply 9April 11, 2022 10:14 PM

I wasn't as enamored of last night's episode as the last two. It was nice to see Segel's Westhead get a chance to step into the spotlight but most of the hour was meh. That girl clinging to Johnson was so annoying.

Really looking forward to seeing Brody's Pat Riley step into the coaches shoes, though.

by Anonymousreply 10April 12, 2022 12:56 AM

Personally, I’m exhausted by the dramatized accounts of real people. However, I think Sally Field has a role in it and I would consider it for Sally.

by Anonymousreply 11April 12, 2022 1:43 AM

I'm loving it. Yes, the Lakers were a dynasty. Going to those games in the 80s was one of the major reasons I enjoyed living in LA. Fucking Showtime was the best.

by Anonymousreply 12April 12, 2022 3:19 AM

Episode Four was fantastic. Knowing what was coming at the end....I watched that last minute or so through parted fingers. (Mary, I know) And they still got me! Because I hadn't remembered the *exact* circumstances. Also, "Good Vibrations" playing over it. That was all kinds of fucked up.

by Anonymousreply 13April 12, 2022 4:33 AM

P.S. It's really nice to see Jack McKinney get his "due" as an innovator & THE creator of Showtime. The man who understood the potential of Magic-Kareem's pairing, how to unlock it, and unleashed it on the rest of the league. (I feel like I just channeled Bill Walton).

by Anonymousreply 14April 12, 2022 5:22 AM

R14 What? Who? So butch!

by Anonymousreply 15April 12, 2022 6:03 AM

If you're asking such questions about the competitive greatness of Magic, Kareem & Jack McKinney, you do not belong in this thread. My goodness!

by Anonymousreply 16April 12, 2022 6:14 AM

Is there any eye candy and/or gay content?

by Anonymousreply 17April 14, 2022 4:11 AM

OP I’ve been watching it from day one. I really, really like it! The acting is great and I think it’s well done. After every episode I wanna watch the next one right away! I’m disappointed that I have to wait a whole week for the next one.

by Anonymousreply 18April 14, 2022 4:16 AM

You may enjoy a couple of locker room scenes R17. I expect them to get better.

by Anonymousreply 19April 14, 2022 4:46 AM

I saw the first episode and loved it.

I need to watch the rest. Maybe this long weekend.

by Anonymousreply 20April 14, 2022 5:26 AM

What happened? Too many Boston fans here? I really enjoyed that episode. Loved the monologue Buss delivers at the open, and I am getting jazzed to see more Pat Riley. Brody looked hot as fuck in that mirror. He's terrific in this.

by Anonymousreply 21April 19, 2022 8:23 PM

I listen to KFI and Tim Conway said it was amazing if you could make it through the first 2 episodes. I would watch but not that type of gay.

by Anonymousreply 22April 19, 2022 8:30 PM

If I'd seen this when I was in my twenties (or maybe even my early thirties), the less-than-flattering portrayal of some of these people (like Chick Hearn & Jerry West ) would have really bummed me out. Sacred Cows, and all that. But, in my mid-fifties...I can't stop laughing at "Gentleman" Jerry West as a foul-mouthed rageaholic, and Chick as an arrogant, boozy jerk (and something of a bully; "Patricia").

Also: Delonte DeSouza is absolutely NAILING Michael Cooper. (Cooooooooop!)

by Anonymousreply 23April 19, 2022 9:44 PM

Oh MY!! Jerry West is now *demanding* an apology from the makers of "Winning Time" for portraying him as a foul-mouthed rageaholic. This just keep getting better & better.

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by Anonymousreply 24April 20, 2022 3:32 AM

[quote] I listen to KFI and Tim Conway said it was amazing if you could make it through the first 2 episodes. I would watch but not that type of gay.

Tim Conway Jr, the racist asshole, who mocks Asian-Americans? THAT Tim Conway?? Well, okay....

by Anonymousreply 25April 20, 2022 4:08 AM

Abdul-Jabbar has already made his disdain for the series known, even well before the show premiered. “While I respect other artists' rights to choose their subjects, I think the story of the Showtime Lakers is best told by those who actually lived through it,” Kareem said to Puck in December. “Because we know exactly what happened.”

Now, appearing on SiriusXM NBA Radio's NBA Today, Abdul-Jabbar reportedly told hosts Justin Termine and Eddie A. Johnson that he actually gave Winning Time a shot. “I watched half the first episode and it’s ridiculous," he said. "I don’t want to talk about it.”

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by Anonymousreply 26April 20, 2022 4:17 AM

I LOVE Kareem -- like REALLY, really love him -- but I disagree. This isn't a documentary, like Jordan's "The Last Dance"....It's t's a DRAMATIZIATION

by Anonymousreply 27April 20, 2022 4:29 AM

Where is the gay Faggotry Magic Johnson content? We on datalounge know how Erving caught the AIDS. Where r the Gay Orgies& Magic fucking the Hot White basketball players?

by Anonymousreply 28April 20, 2022 4:30 AM

Sure your were, R28....🙄

by Anonymousreply 29April 20, 2022 4:39 AM

It's unfortunate that Kareem didn't give it a few more episodes. I admit, I was ready to give up three episodes in, too, but then the 4th and 5th ones knocked my socks off. And the episode that is essentially devoted to understanding Kareem was especially powerful, and portrayed him as a deeply thoughtful person struggling with his talent as a basketball player when there was so much injustice against black people in the world. I thought it was a terrific hour and Solomon Hughes is giving a very thoughtful performance. Even in this last ep, the conversation Kareem has with Magic's father is just fantastic.

He wrote an entire essay on it, but I have to disagree that the series is "drearily dull". It isn't. Not by a long shot.

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by Anonymousreply 30April 20, 2022 5:11 AM

I love Pat Riley. Five years ago, he sat directly in front of me during a UCLA game at Pauley Pavilion (scouting Lonzo Ball, TJ Leaf & a guard from Stanford). I was plotzing. At halftime, I leaned forward over his shoulder and asked, "Hi, Coach. May I take a picture with you? I'm a big fan!" He replied, "Sure!". I began to extend my arm/phone, awkwardly, and he said, "Give me your phone, I'll take it!"

UCLA beat the snot out Stanford, which was great...but I was on CLOUD-9, all night, because I got a selfie with "Riles".

by Anonymousreply 31April 20, 2022 9:44 AM

With all due respect to Adrien Brody: he ain’t Pat Riley.

Unless Pat Riley got a nose job. 😳

Enjoying the heck out of this show. Paula Abdul was the first Laker girl. Who knew?

by Anonymousreply 32April 24, 2022 7:46 PM

Is that the one Bo Burnham dropped out of?

by Anonymousreply 33April 24, 2022 7:58 PM

Fuck Boston!

I wonder how much they “dramatized” Bird? Was he always such an ornery, disgusting redneck?

Or was that in the early days?

by Anonymousreply 34April 24, 2022 8:14 PM

When does EJ sashay onto the screen?

by Anonymousreply 35April 24, 2022 8:49 PM

When his daddy starts sucking white basketball players cocks& swallows! 2 faggots together.

by Anonymousreply 36April 24, 2022 8:51 PM

Who else thought the locker room full frontal scene tonight was ridiculous That looked like a white man's cock on a black guy. Can't they afford to get one made that's the right color?

by Anonymousreply 37May 2, 2022 7:10 AM

R37 it looked like it belonged to that guy.

by Anonymousreply 38May 2, 2022 7:21 AM

Here’s a video give you a idea how good Larry Bird was.

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by Anonymousreply 39May 2, 2022 7:24 AM

Here’s one more. The story told at the 24 minute mark by Tiny Archibald is hilarious!

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by Anonymousreply 40May 2, 2022 7:25 AM

Makes me wonder what would have been the outcome had Bird gone to the Lakers in the draft.

by Anonymousreply 41May 2, 2022 6:46 PM

I’m bummed there’s only two more episodes left. Will there be a second season to the show?

by Anonymousreply 42May 2, 2022 10:03 PM

No, unfortunately, the season finale is next weekend. I love this show. Yes, there will be a second season, thank God. Can't wait.

I watched some old film on Bird today. Several people have put together great footage of his best stuff. Damn he was an ugly looking man (still is) but damn could he fucking play ball. What a talent. And what a smartass.

by Anonymousreply 43May 3, 2022 10:04 AM

R41: The Lakers didn't have a first-round draft pick in 1978, when Larry was drafted (at #6) by the Celtics. But I suspect fans of the Trailblazers, Kings, Pacers, Knicks & Warriors have all probably wondered "What might have been?"

by Anonymousreply 44May 3, 2022 7:44 PM

The Lakers had the first round pick in '79, and picked Johnson. The Celtics were smart to wait for Bird, it paid off well.

The Celtics always came off as racially motivated, hunting and pecking for the best of the white players. I hated them even more for this.

by Anonymousreply 45May 4, 2022 1:15 AM

[quote]Yes, there will be a second season, thank God. Can't wait.

Me, too! I would imagine S2 will pick up the story in the 1981-82 season. The Lakers' 1980-81 season was a bust/not worth remembering. Magic missed 45 games due to injury & they were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by a lower-seeded team (Rockets). Things got interesting again in 1981-82. Magic butted heads with Westhead & requested a trade six games into the new season -- which resulted in Westhead being fired & Pat Riley being promoted to head coach. The Lakers returned to the Finals that year and beat the Sixers (again).

I also wouldn't be surprised if they fast-forwarded to the 1983-84 season -- when the Lakers & Celtics met in the Finals for the first time during the Magic-Bird era.

by Anonymousreply 46May 9, 2022 9:37 PM

I’m enjoying it immensely. I signed on when I learned Sally Field was cast. I’ll watch everything she does. Reilly gives a Reilly performance, over the top and nuanced at the same time. I might be in the minority but I don’t think the Kareem actor is good at all. I think the role either plays to the actors limits or he’s underplaying. The actor playing Magic is terrific and he’s really caught his charisma.

by Anonymousreply 47May 9, 2022 10:33 PM

An anachronism, of sorts, jumped out at me instantly during the final episode. Only an older, hardcore Lakers-fan would have caught it.

In the waning moments of Game 6 vs. Philly, the writers had Chick Hearn utter his famous phrase: "This game is in the refrigerator. The door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard, and the Jell-o is jiggling!"

*sound of a needle scratching across a record*

NOPE! There was no Jello-jiggling in 1980! Chick had yet to tack that onto "and the butter's getting hard". I can't recall exactly when he began adding it, but it was definitely in the latter years of the decade . James Worthy's mother came up with it & suggested it to Chick.

by Anonymousreply 48May 9, 2022 11:43 PM

As an aside: Michael Cooper (Cooooooooop!) & Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell both have GREAT podcasts in which they interview former teammates, as well as their old rivals. Highly recommend both. They are extremely fun & interesting to watch. They all respect each other & get along (mostly), but are still so salty & petty about those Lakers-Celtics battles. Love it!

by Anonymousreply 49May 9, 2022 11:55 PM

I loved when the fans would yell Cooooop! Sounded like Booooo!

I love this show. It brings back great memories of being there in the Forum.

It was a magic time for me.

by Anonymousreply 50May 10, 2022 12:07 AM

For the Lakers fans. Chick's greatest hits:

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by Anonymousreply 51May 10, 2022 12:24 AM

Stu and Chick had a decent rapport. Chick had to be a bitch to work under.

by Anonymousreply 52May 10, 2022 1:07 AM

^^ For real....Chick was something else! And that's why we we grew to loved Stu.....he knew how to deal with Chick

by Anonymousreply 53May 10, 2022 1:41 AM

Loved this past episode! So this Sunday is the last episode? How long do we have to wait until the 2nd season?

by Anonymousreply 54May 11, 2022 4:12 AM

This PAST Sunday WAS the final episode for season 1. I only know that it was picked up for season 2. You might try some of the trade sites for additional information.

by Anonymousreply 55May 11, 2022 4:15 AM

The guy who plays Norm Nixon really does it for me. Adrien Brody is brilliant in this

by Anonymousreply 56September 13, 2023 4:03 AM

It's so shitty it's been cancelled.

The Lakers go on to beat the Celtics the next two times they meet in the final (85, 87). It was rather brilliant to end season two with 84 loss., knowing redemption was coming. But now we can't see it.

Damn.

Fun fact: My gayling self was madly in love with James Worthy.

by Anonymousreply 57September 21, 2023 3:34 AM

I loved the show and finished last night. I’m also disappointed it won’t continue. I don’t even give a shit about basketball but this show was exciting and fun.

by Anonymousreply 58September 21, 2023 12:30 PM
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