Summary
The second season of Winning Time brings to light the stark differences between Magic and Kareem as fathers, wherein Magic adopts a more hedonistic approach to life, while Kareem dedicates himself to spiritual development and enhancing his parenting skills.
In Winning Time season 2, episode 1, Kareem's actual son, Amir, is not shown, but his presence is acknowledged in a Lakers locker room scene. This coincides with a pivotal moment for Magic as he grapples with his own responsibilities as a father, highlighting Kareem's intention to communicate a lesson about parenting.
Season 2 of HBO's Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty portrays the birth of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's son, Amir. This lively series follows the well-known Lakers team after their surprising victory in the 1980 NBA Championship, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem. The show delves into the differences between these basketball legends, both on and off the court, including their approaches in the locker room. While Magic embodies the vibrant "Showtime" energy inspired by Jerry Buss, Kareem takes a more grounded and thoughtful approach.
In the first episode of Winning Time season 2, both Magic and Kareem welcome their sons into the world, highlighting the contrasting ideologies and priorities between the two players in their personal lives. As Magic indulges in the extravagant pleasures that Los Angeles has to offer, Kareem remains dedicated to spiritual growth and contemplation. The show emphasizes the ironic disparity between Magic's lack of preparation for fatherhood and Kareem's commitment to being a better father for his newborn son, Amir, than he believes he has been for his other children.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Son Amir Is An Orthopedic Surgeon In Washington State
Amir, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's real-life son, is a skilled orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal surgery. He obtained his medical degree from the University of California San Francisco, and is a distinguished member of both the North American Spine Society and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Though not directly featured in Season 2, Episode 1 of Winning Time, Amir is briefly shown in a Polaroid photo during a scene in the locker room, where Kareem shares the news of his birth with his Lakers teammates.
During this episode, Kareem explains to the 1981 Lakers that he and his wife selected the name Amir due to its significant meaning of "someone with the right to rule." He also confides in Magic about his feelings of personal shame for not being there enough for his older children from his previous marriage. This powerful moment in Winning Time serves as an intervention that prompts Magic to reflect on the type of father he wants to be for his own firstborn son, Andre.
Why Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Other Kids Aren't In Winning Time's Season 2 Premiere
Abdul-Jabbar had three children from a previous marriage who were 8, 4, and 1 years old when Amir was born in 1980. The timing of Kareem's fourth child's birth coincides with a crucial decision that Magic himself must make regarding his role as a father. The creators of Winning Time highlight the significance of both Amir Abdul-Jabbar's and Andre Johnson's birthdays to emphasize the cautionary message Kareem felt compelled to share with a young and inexperienced Magic. This moment is closely tied to the locker room rivalry and power struggle that Kareem and Magic faced during the 1980-81 season, which is why only Amir has been introduced in season 2 of Winning Time so far.