"Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" is a sports drama series that ran for two seasons on HBO. Based on Jeff Pearlman's book "Showtime," the series delves into the Los Angeles Lakers' iconic Showtime era during the 1980s. With a star-studded cast including John C. Reilly and Jason Clarke, the show captures the on and off-court dynamics of the team, centered around basketball legends Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The series premiered in March 2022 and concluded in September 2023.
1979: The Start of the "Showtime" Lakers Era
The year 1979 marked the beginning of the "Showtime" era for the Los Angeles Lakers, a period of immense success and cultural impact for the franchise.
1980: The Lakers in 1980
The year 1980 marked a significant period for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they navigated the NBA season with a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent.
1984: The Lakers in 1984
The Los Angeles Lakers continued their dominance in 1984, further solidifying their place as one of basketball's most formidable teams.
April 20, 2014: Jim Hecht Pitches "Showtime" Adaptation
On April 20, 2014, screenwriter Jim Hecht presented his idea for adapting Jeff Pearlman's book "Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty" into a television series, envisioning a narrative style akin to "Friday Night Lights."
2015: Adam McKay Joins the Project
Producer Kevin Messick successfully persuaded Adam McKay to come on board as director and producer for the pilot episode of the series in 2015.
April 2019: HBO Orders Pilot for Lakers Series
HBO greenlit the production of a pilot episode for the series based on the Los Angeles Lakers in April 2019, marking a crucial step in its development.
August 2019: Casting Begins for "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty"
The casting process for "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" commenced in August 2019, with Jason Clarke and Michael Shannon initially cast as Jerry West and Jerry Buss, respectively. However, Shannon departed the project the following month due to creative differences and was replaced by John C. Reilly as Buss.
March 2021: Additional Cast Members Announced for "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty"
The cast of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" expanded in March 2021 with the addition of notable actors such as Adrien Brody, Sally Field, Michael Chiklis, and Jason Segel.
April 12, 2021: Filming Begins for "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" Season 1
Principal photography for the first season of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" commenced on April 12, 2021, in Los Angeles.
May 2021: More Cast Members Join "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty"
The ensemble cast of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" grew further in May 2021 with the inclusion of actors like Rory Cochrane, Danny Burstein, and Ta'Nika Gibson.
June 2021: Casting Continues for "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty"
In June 2021, the casting process for "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" continued with the addition of actors like Mike Epps, Max E. Williams, and Mariama Diallo.
August 2021: Cast Changes and Additions for "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty"
August 2021 saw adjustments to the cast of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" as Bo Burnham departed due to scheduling conflicts and was replaced by Sean Patrick Small.
December 8, 2021: HBO Announces Title for Lakers Series: "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty"
HBO revealed "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" as the official title for the upcoming series on December 8, 2021, drawing a connection to Magic Johnson's famous catchphrase.
December 2021: "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" to Premiere in March 2022
In December 2021, HBO announced that "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" would premiere in March 2022, generating anticipation among viewers.
March 6, 2022: "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" Premieres on HBO
On March 6, 2022, "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty," a new sports drama series, premiered on HBO, chronicling the journey of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers.
March 2022: "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" Premieres
The highly anticipated series "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" made its debut in March 2022, captivating audiences with its portrayal of the iconic basketball team.
April 7, 2022: "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" Renewed for Season 2
HBO gave the green light for a second season of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" on April 7, 2022.
April 2022: "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" Renewed for a Second Season
In April 2022, HBO announced the renewal of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" for a second season, following the success of its first season.
April 19, 2022: Jerry West Demands Retraction from HBO Over "Winning Time" Portrayal
On April 19, 2022, Jerry West, a prominent figure in Lakers history, expressed his strong disapproval of his depiction in "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty." He demanded a retraction from HBO, deeming his portrayal as inaccurate and damaging to his reputation.
May 8, 2022: Season 1 of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" Concludes
The first season of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" aired its final episode on May 8, 2022, concluding the initial chapter of the series.
June 2022: Thomas Mann Promoted to Series Regular for Season 2
Thomas Mann's role was elevated to a series regular for the second season of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" in June 2022.
July 2022: Salli Richardson-Whitfield Joins Season 2 as Executive Producer and Director
Salli Richardson-Whitfield joined the production team of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" in July 2022, taking on roles as both executive producer and director for the second season.
August 24, 2022: Production Starts on Season 2 of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty"
Production for the second season of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" got underway on August 24, 2022.
October 4, 2022: "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" Season 1 Released on Blu-ray and DVD
Fans of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" had the opportunity to own the first season on Blu-ray and DVD starting October 4, 2022.
June 2023: McCabe Slye Joins as Series Regular for Season 2
McCabe Slye joined the main cast as a series regular for the second season of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" in June 2023.
August 6, 2023: Season Two of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" Premieres
The highly anticipated second season of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" debuted on August 6, 2023, continuing the story of the iconic basketball team.
September 17, 2023: HBO Cancels "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" After Two Seasons
After two seasons, HBO made the decision to cancel "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" on September 17, 2023.
June 12, 2024: Jerry West Passes Away
Jerry West, a legendary figure in basketball, passed away on June 12, 2024. His legacy as a player, coach, and executive left an indelible mark on the sport.