Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty | Creating Magic in LA

Fascinating characters played by an all-star cast. The early 1980s in a city that shines brightly. A mix between documentary and pure entertainment. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty tells the story of one of the most glorious basketball teams in history during a frenzied era. This series is much more than a work on sport, it is a page of history.

Pascal LeBlanc
The Press

Inspiration

The book Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980sby Jeff Pearlman, is the main source of inspiration for the series created by Max Borenstein (Godzilla) and Jim Hecht (Ice Age: The Meltdown) — don’t let the two screenwriters’ past experiences fool you. Even if the work relates very real events concerning people who are mostly still alive, none were consulted during the production. Moreover, neither the NBA nor the organization of the Lakers gave their agreement. This allowed more creative freedom, since the desire for authenticity remained a priority. In interview with The Hollywood Reporterproducer Adam McKay (Don’t Look Up, The Big Short), who is also directing the first episode, said that if he could speak to the people concerned, he would tell them “not to worry, because we paint the whole picture”. For some, this is more or less reassuring, as there have been dizzying highs and outrageous lows in achieving fame.

The time

It has also been more than 40 years since the purchase of the Lakers by Jerry Buss (John C. Reilly) and the draft of Magic Johnson (Quincy Isaiah), in 1979, the starting point of the 10 episodes. Manners have changed. Pervasive sexism and racism are striking, but also a reminder that there is still a long way to go. The series begins with an affirmation by Jerry Buss: He loves sex and basketball. To relaunch his new acquisition, he draws inspiration from his other passion. Thus, the cheerleaders are replaced by the much sexier Lakers Girls – and led by a certain Paula Abdul. A private club is built inside the Forum, home of the team. LA celebrities including Jack Nicholson and Richard Pryor have a reserved front row seat. Women, including Jerry Buss’ daughter, Jeanie (Hadley Robinson), are behind many of these novelties. Buss is shown as a womanizer, but one who also gives an important place to women within his organization. One of the many contrasts in this series.

The style

Adam McKay’s signature is present, even though he only shot the first episode – Jonah Hill, Damian Marcano, Tanya Hamilton, Payman Benz and Sali Richardon-Whitfield are directing the others. The characters sometimes speak directly to the viewers. The camera navigates between documentary and amateur film. The light, the lenses and the colors give the impression that the series was filmed at the time in which the action takes place. Images that look archival but aren’t and animation are used to energize the narrative. The soundtrack is composed of disco, soul and pop hits. The rhythm is sustained, the editing is nervous and the action is not lacking. There is also basketball! The game scenes are spectacular, but do not stretch. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynastyat least the eight episodes we watched, focuses more on the players when they are off the pitch.

The stars

Quincy Isaiah is a revelation as Magic Johnson. He displays the same irresistible smile and the same sociability as the legendary playmaker. His performance also reveals the more vulnerable side of Magic. Solomon Hughes does the same for giant Kareem Abdul Jabbar. A very complex man, he is played with subtlety by this other newcomer. The rest of the cast is populated by well-known names. John C. Reilly is magnetic in Jerry Buss. It wouldn’t be surprising if he were cited for the next Emmy awards. Jason Clarke is simply extraordinary as Jerry West. The boiling character of the former Lakers star, turned coach, is hilarious on screen. Gaby Hoffmann plays Claire Rothman, Buss’s right arm and the one who pays the pots. His poise and cynicism are delightful. We also find in the credits Sally Field in the role of the mother of Jerry Buss, Adrien Brody in the guise of Pat Riley and Jason Segel in the skin of Paul Westhead.

Starting March 8, on Crave (in English and French) and on Super Ecran (in French)