HBO has released the first Winning Time trailer to tease its upcoming series about the Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s. Now taking the court under the title Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, the series looks to be dripping with sweat, style, and plenty of behind-the-scenes debaucheries. Maybe send the kids to bed before you tune in for this one.
Based on the Jeff Pearlman book “Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s,” Winning Time will dramatize the professional and personal lives of the team, described in the series logline as “one of sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties — a team that defined its era, both on and off the court.”
Per Amazon, here is a synopsis for Pearlman’s book:
“The Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s personified the flamboyance and excess of the decade over which they reigned. Beginning with the arrival of Earvin “Magic” Johnson as the number-one overall pick of the 1979 draft, the Lakers played basketball with gusto and pizzazz, unleashing their famed “Showtime” run-and-gun style on a league unprepared for their speed and ferocity—and became the most captivating show in sports and, arguably, in all-around American entertainment. The Lakers’ roster overflowed with exciting all-star-caliber players, including center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and they were led by the incomparable Pat Riley, known for his slicked-back hair, his Armani suits, and his arrogant strut. Hollywood’s biggest celebrities lined the court and gorgeous women flocked to the arena. Best of all, the team was a winner. Between 1980 and 1991, the Lakers played in an unmatched nine NBA championship series, capturing five of them.“
The cast for HBO’s Lakers series is already playing with a great starting lineup. John C. Reilly stars as Jerry Buss, Jason Clarke as Jerry West, Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson, Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Gaby Hoffmann as Claire Rothman, Hadley Robinson as Jeanie Buss, DeVaughn Nixon as Norm Nixon, Molly Gordon as Linda Zafrani, Rob Morgan as Earvin Johnson Sr., Jason Segel as Paul Westhead, Michael Chiklis as Red Auerbach, Sally Field as Jessie Buss, Adrien Brody as Pat Riley, Spencer Garrett as Chick Hearn, Kirk Bovill as Donald Sterling, Delante Desouza as Michael Cooper, Stephen Adly Guirgis as Frank Mariani, Tamera Tomakili as Earletha “Cookie” Kelly, Joey Brooks as Lon Rosen, Gillian Jacobs as Chris Riley, Wood Harris as Spencer Haywood, Jimel Atkins as Jamaal Wilkes, Brett Cullen as Bill Sharman; LisaGay Hamilton as Christine Johnson, Andy Hirsch as David Stern, Lola Kirke as Karen West, Tracy Letts as Jack McKinney, and Sarah Ramos as Cheryl Pistono.
Today’s Winning Time trailer features many of the series’ star players all living for the ’80s and riding the wave that comes with victory on the court. Max Borenstein serves as co-writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Adam McKay directed the pilot and executive produces through Hyperobject Industries. Hyperobject’s Kevin Messick will also executive produce alongside Jason Shuman. Jim Hecht co-wrote the story and is also the co-creator and executive producer. Scott Stephens and Rodney Barnes will also executive produce.
What do you think of the new Winning Time trailer? I’m digging it a lot more than I thought I would. I may not know much about the old sports ball, but I know slick cinematography and creative direction when I see it. Will you be taking a seat for HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty? Let us know in the comments section below.