The first episode of HBO’s “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” aired Sunday to mixed reviews.
The show, which is based on the book Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s by Jeff Pearlman, chronicles the first year of the Jerry Buss era in Los Angeles. The first episode revolves around Buss’ acquisition of the team and decision to take Magic Johnson with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.
One of the biggest criticisms is the show’s portrayal of then-coach Jerry West. Played by Jason Clarke, the Lakers legend spent 1976-1979 as the Los Angeles head coach. The show portrays West as an often-angry individual, who was upset the team was selecting Johnson instead of Sidney Moncrief with the first pick.
