Acceptable Loss
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty | Season 1 | Episode 9

Acceptable Loss

TV-MA | 57 MIN

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As the Lakers prepare to enter the play-offs, Buss struggles with the team's tenuous coaching situation and his mother's failing health. Later, Haywood receives an ultimatum from Kareem.


The Swan
1.The Swan

Jerry Buss stakes his fortune on the purchase of the NBA's LA Lakers. Meanwhile, head coach Jerry West bristles at the prospect of drafting college phenom Earvin Johnson -- who must decide if he's ready to live up to the mantle of his nickname: Magic.

Is That All There Is?
2.Is That All There Is?

After giving Coach West carte blanche with the roster, Buss attempts to charm Celtics owner Red Auerbach. Earvin's efforts to impress the women in his life fall flat, and Claire's mandate to get creative brings conflict with Buss' daughter, Jeanie.

The Good Life
3.The Good Life

Leaving the Lakers to deal with the fallout of Coach West's shocking announcement, Buss travels to Las Vegas and soon becomes entangled with a dangerous foe. Back in LA, former Laker Pat Riley seeks out a new place within the team.

Who the F**k Is Jack Mckinney?
4.Who the F**k Is Jack Mckinney?

As the Lakers head to training camp, Buss finds himself in over his head financially and the team's new coaches struggle to prove their vision for a groundbreaking method of play. Jeanie works to bring her father's flair to the Forum.

Pieces of a Man
5.Pieces of a Man

As the Lakers prepare for their season opener against the Clippers, an increasingly frustrated Kareem begins to doubt his place on the team. Jeanie courts star talent for the Laker Girls, including a promising young dancer named Paula Abdul.

Memento Mori
6.Memento Mori

Assistant coach Paul Westhead adds to the Lakers' growing list of problems when he finds himself dealing with a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. Increasingly courted by corporate sponsors, Earvin consults a newfound financial advisor.

Invisible Man
7.Invisible Man

While Buss clashes with West over the coaching staff, Paul calls in a favor from Pat Riley. On the road for the first time, Earvin attempts to reconnect with loved ones in Lansing, before heading to Boston to square off against longtime rival Larry Bird.

California Dreaming
8.California Dreaming

As the Lakers continue their successful run, Paul and Pat are forced to reckon with the tenuous nature of their positions. Earvin meets his childhood hero at the NBA All-Star Game. Jessie convinces Jeanie to help shield her father from a shocking truth.

Acceptable Loss
9.Acceptable Loss

As the Lakers prepare to enter the play-offs, Buss struggles with the team's tenuous coaching situation and his mother's failing health. Later, Haywood receives an ultimatum from Kareem.

Promised Land
10.Promised Land

Down two men and with the 1980 title on the line, the outnumbered Lakers look to an unlikely source for inspiration. In Philly, Earvin faces off against his role-model-turned-rival Dr. J, while in LA, Haywood grapples with his own worst enemy: himself.

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