From Court to Cradle: Jason Segel & Solomon Hughes Discuss Fatherhood and Hoops in Winning Time Season 2

The first season of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty concludes with the Lakers winning the championship for the 1979-1980 season. Jerry Buss' successful first year as the team's owner and Magic Johnson's extraordinary rookie performance fuel the team's desire to face their rivals, the Boston Celtics, in pursuit of another championship title. However, as tensions escalate, particularly between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, the Lakers encounter both on-court and off-court challenges.

Featuring a star-studded ensemble, including John C. Reilly, Quincy Isaiah, Jason Clarke, Adrien Brody, Gaby Hoffmann, Tracy Letts, Jason Segel, Solomon Hughes, and Tamera Tomakili, Winning Time is a highly anticipated series. Created by Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht, the show is based on Jeff Pearlman's book, Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s. While the series sparked controversy due to questions about the accuracy of its portrayal of real individuals, it was also one of the most buzzed-about shows of the previous year.

Jason Segel & Solomon Hughes on Winning Time Season 2

Winning Time season 2 features Jason Segel and Solomon Hughes discussing the future of their characters, Paul Westhead and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with Screen Rant. Segel delves into the impact of Paul Westhead and The System's major victory in season 1, while Hughes explores the transformation of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as a father in season 2, along with his preparation for the basketball scenes. Please note that this interview took place prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, and it is important to acknowledge the contributions of the writers and actors in the WGA and SAG-AFTRA unions without whom the show would not exist.

I've been eagerly awaiting this season, and I must say, this show has surpassed all my expectations. Jason, as you know, they emerged victorious in the previous season's championship. I'm curious to know, how has this triumphant achievement influenced Paul Westhead during this season?

Jason Segel: In season 1, Paul Westhead achieved a surprising triumph that he never expected. Now, in season 2, we explore whether he has the ability to handle this success gracefully and with dignity, as it presents a whole new challenge. Throughout the season, there is a power struggle that unfolds, revealing that winning is not an easy feat.

Solomon, your portrayal of Kareem is amazing. There is a powerful scene between Kareem and Jerry Buss where they discuss Kareem's lifetime contract. Can you tell me how Kareem's perspective of the organization evolves throughout the season?

Solomon Hughes: In the '80s, a new era of stars emerged, making the game more popular and increasing the money involved. This brought about changes that someone like him, an old guard, had to witness. The arrival of Jerry Buss, a completely different kind of owner, introduced tension between the old ways and the new. This tension is evident in the skating rink scene, where various conflicts arise. These conflicts stem from different philosophies and perspectives on different eras. The clash between a traditional NBA player and a fresh-faced NBA owner is a prominent example of these collisions.

Jason, I believe The System greatly complements Kareem's playing style, especially at this point in his career. Can you briefly discuss the installation of The System by Paul Westhead on the Lakers?

Jason Segel: Please excuse any discrepancies in my recollection, but I recall The System being implemented after Kareem's temporary injury. It emphasized immediate shooting upon receiving the ball, avoiding dribbling. The concept of taking more shots to increase the chances of making them seemed unconventional to many.

In today's NBA, with the evolution of the three-point game, teams are adopting various versions of The System, similar to the Warriors. These teams emphasize extensive movement and shooting, raising the question of whether Paul was ahead of his time. Interestingly, Paul achieved success with The System in his coaching roles outside of the NBA. For instance, during his tenure at LMU, they set a historical record for the highest number of points scored in NCAA at that time.

Jason Segel: Yes, and I think he ran it in Japan, as well, and it went pretty well, I could be wrong.

Solomon, the basketball scenes in this show are truly extraordinary. They immerse you in the games, allowing you to truly understand the experience of the players. Can you elaborate on the preparation process for these scenes?

Solomon Hughes: Absolutely, there is a substantial amount of training and choreography involved. We would decide what basketball moments we wanted to capture, and then we would focus on repetition and practice. We utilized the practice gyms and had a remarkable group of background basketball players who gave their all every time. It was truly a blessing to work with these background guys who had NBA-level skills and were exceptional basketball players.

Throughout season 2, the relationship between Paul and Pat is tested, showcasing the remarkable brotherhood they share in the first season.

Jason Segel: The dynamic in our show is portrayed as complicated. They achieved something together while trying to fill the gap left by Tracy Letts' character's accident. Paul Westhead had the official title, but he struggled to share it. Whenever someone came close to taking his title or challenged his opinions, he had difficulty listening. History proves that Pat Riley became a basketball genius, which was tough for Paul Westhead as he wanted recognition for his own contributions. Even the first championship was seen as Coach McKinney's from the public's perspective.

Solomon, fatherhood is a significant theme explored in season 2, impacting various characters in different ways. Could you elaborate on how fatherhood affects Kareem in season 2 and his perspective on the team?

Solomon Hughes: Certainly, it's a parallel to his previous accomplishments, such as winning championships and earning multiple MVP titles. However, with the addition of a new team and personnel like Magic, coaches, and the organization, fatherhood brings a sense of novelty. Although not his first child, the arrival of a new child evokes a transformative experience.

About Winning Time Season 2

: Kareem's nearing retirement prompts reflections on life beyond basketball—a perspective boosted by the arrival of a child, which highlights the significance of other facets and positively influences his self-perception.

After an exceptional season under the fresh leadership of Jerry Buss, the Lakers aspire to continue their remarkable winning streak by triumphing over their archenemies, the esteemed Boston Celtics. As the team's players confront various challenges both on and off the court, the legendary rivalries between Jerry Buss and Red Auberbach, as well as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, intensify.

Check back soon for our other Winning Time season 2 interviews:

Quincy Isaiah & Adrien Brody

Michael Chiklis & Sean Patrick Small

John C. Reilly & Hadley Robinson

Max Borenstein & Rodney Barnes

Kevin Messick & Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Winning Time debuts on HBO on August 6 and will be available to stream on Max.

Source: Screen Rant Plus