“Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” captivated audiences with its groundbreaking narrative style and controversial portrayals of NBA legends in its debut season. HBO wasted no time in renewing the series for a highly anticipated second season, even before the first season had finished airing. With a focus on the Los Angeles Lakers’ history, including Jerry Buss’ franchise acquisition and Magic Johnson’s arrival, the show built up to the team’s championship victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
As fans eagerly await the upcoming season, “Winning Time” promises to deliver more drama, basketball action, and captivating storytelling, exploring the challenges faced by the team on and off the court. Led by a talented cast and guided by showrunner Max Borenstein, the series is set to continue its compelling narrative and engage viewers once again. For those who want to catch up or revisit the excitement, the entire series is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Winning Time Season 2: Release Date
While an exact date is yet to be announced, the anticipation is building. In December 2022, HBO Max released a video showcasing their upcoming projects, confirming that “Winning Time” Season 2 is set to premiere in 2023. Although we don’t have a specific date at this time, we will keep you informed as soon as the information is released.

Furthermore, in June 2023, during an exclusive first-look session with Esquire, the producers of “Winning Time” revealed that the second season of this captivating historical sports drama would debut on HBO, with a likely availability on HBO Max, in the summer of that year. Stay tuned for more updates on the exact release date.
Winning Time Season 2: Plot
“Winning Time” is a TV series based on Jeff Pearlman’s nonfiction book, “Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s.” According to Esquire, Season 2 will continue the story shortly after the 1979-1980 championship season covered in Season 1. It will depict the Lakers’ history, their rivalry with the Boston Celtics, and the personal lives of the team members and coaches from 1980 to 1984. Co-creator Max Borenstein stated, “This is a series about a dynasty. And what comes after winning that first is not just winning another. It’s exponentially harder… Magic and his nemesis Bird.”
Borenstein also mentioned to Deadline that Season 2 will maintain the storytelling pace of the first season. It will explore the struggles faced by Paul Westhead and Pat Riley, the next chapter in Magic’s journey, and Jerry West’s progression towards becoming the general manager. He further added, “Which involves Paul Westhead and Pat Riley, and a struggle Magic has that next year, and Jerry West’s next step in the direction of becoming the general manager.”

In Season 2 of “Winning Time,” the theme of fatherhood will be explored. Jerry Buss will involve his sons in the Lakers enterprise in some way. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will welcome new children and grapple with this milestone event. Larry Bird, on the other hand, will confront his complicated relationship with his father.
Winning Time Season 2: Cast and Characters
The cast of real-life characters from the Los Angeles Lakers’ orbit during the 1979-1980 NBA season is vast and diverse. However, it is almost certain that John C. Reilly will reprise his role as the flamboyant Lakers owner Jerry Buss, as he has been contracted for another season. This information comes from a report by Vulture. Additionally, Michael Chiklis, who portrayed Red Auerbach, tweeted a photo from the set alongside Reilly on December 19, 2022, indicating that he will also be returning for Season 2.

To determine which actors are likely to return for “Winning Time” Season 2, it is helpful to examine history. Given that the story will likely pick up shortly after the Lakers’ victory in the 1980 NBA Championship, Quincy Isaiah, Solomon Hughes, Adrien Brody, and Jason Clarke will probably reprise their roles. These actors portrayed Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pat Riley, and Jerry West, respectively, all of whom continued their association with the L.A. franchise during that period.
On the other hand, it is unlikely that Sally Field will return as Jesse Buss, Wood Harris as Spencer Haywood, and Tracy Letts as Coach Jack McKinney. In Season 1, Jesse Buss’s character passed away, Spencer Haywood became notorious for antagonizing teammates and moved on from the team in real life, and Coach Jack McKinney lost his position.
Where to Watch Winning Time
To watch the show “Winning Time,” viewers can tune in to HBO during its scheduled TV airings. Alternatively, they can access the series on HBO Max, the popular streaming service offered by HBO. By subscribing to HBO Max, fans can enjoy the entire series at their convenience, with past episodes readily available and future installments accessible as they are released. HBO Max provides a seamless viewing experience, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the captivating world of “Winning Time” whenever and wherever they choose.
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 2
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty Season 2, following the success of its debut, promises an even more thrilling and captivating experience for fans. The acclaimed series will delve deeper into the history of the Los Angeles Lakers and their journey to becoming an NBA dynasty in the 1980s. Although an exact release date for Season 2 has not yet been announced, viewers can eagerly anticipate its arrival on HBO and HBO Max during the summer of 2023.

Building upon the first season, the plot of Season 2 will continue to explore the challenges faced by the team and its members, both on and off the court. This includes the iconic Lakers’ rivalry with the Boston Celtics and the personal lives of the players and coaches. With John C. Reilly reprising his role as Jerry Buss, the talented cast will bring these legendary characters to life again.
Under the guidance of showrunner Max Borenstein, “Winning Time” will maintain its compelling and engaging storytelling. Borenstein’s expertise ensures that viewers will be hooked from start to finish. Whether fans want to catch up on Season 1 or dive straight into the highly anticipated Season 2, the entire series is available for streaming on HBO Max.