The Lakers in Turmoil: Magic Johnson's Return Sparks Controversy in New Winning Time Season 2 Clip

Summary

In episode 2 of Winning Time season 2, Magic Johnson returns to the Lakers after an injury and becomes a source of tension for the team.

The exclusive clip for the episode reveals the clear sense of discomfort and insecurity among the players and coaches regarding Magic's comeback. Behind the scenes, the Buss family is faced with risky trades and internal conflicts, while Coach Westhead diligently guides the team towards the 1984 NBA Finals.

HBO's Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty season 2 is currently in full swing, and Screen Rant is thrilled to present an exclusive clip from episode 2. Season 1 showcased the journey of Showtime Lakers owner Jerry Buss (played by John C. Reilly) as he guided a promising group of players, including Magic Johnson (portrayed by Quincy Isaiah) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (played by Solomon Hughes), to victory in the 1980 NBA Championship. In season 2, Buss is determined to maintain their winning streak by employing unconventional methods alongside coaches Jerry West (Jason Clarke), Paul Westhead (Jason Segel), and Pat Riley (Adrien Brody).

Titled "The Magic is Back," episode 2 of Winning Time season 2 explores the return of beloved basketball legend Magic Johnson to rejoin his teammates after recovering from a debilitating knee injury and the unexpected challenges of fatherhood. As he enters the court once again, his highly-publicized rivalry with Celtics player Larry Bird (Sean Patrick Small) is bound to intensify. However, before facing off against rival teams, Johnson must first confront the turmoil brewing within his own team.

More About Winning Time Season 2

In an exclusive clip from Screen Rant, the discomfort surrounding Magic's comeback and his role on the team is evident in Winning Time season 2. While the coaches try to project a nonchalant attitude towards the changes in the Lakers' chemistry, the players struggle to conceal their disdain and uncertainty about how the star athlete will impact the team upon his return. Of particular interest will be Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as his intense rivalry with Magic was only recently mended through the birth of Kareem's own son.

As Magic's comeback looms, posing a threat to the Lakers' new system, Pat Riley and Jerry West are navigating a risky trade, while Coach Westhead dedicates his efforts to his team's success. In other developments throughout Winning Time season 2, Jeanie Buss finds herself in a battle against her brothers in the realm of business acumen, while her father Jerry rekindles connections from his past. The journey towards the 1984 NBA Finals showdown between the Lakers and Celtics continues in the episode titled "The Magic is Back."

New episodes of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty season 2 air Sundays at 9pm ET/PT on HBO.