The Unforgettable Moments Season 3 of Winning Time Must Encompass

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Winning Time season 2, episode 6.

Summary

In Winning Time season 3, the focus will be on delving deeper into the personal lives of the Lakers, particularly the dramatic and legal battles involving Jerry Buss and his daughter Jeanie. The show will also extensively cover the rise of Michael Jordan and his influence on the league, beginning with the 1984 draft and the Chicago Bulls.

The Lakers will continue to strengthen their on-court chemistry and seek revenge against the Boston Celtics, ultimately securing their first championship and confidently promising more victories in the future.

The conclusion of season 2 in "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" focuses on the 1984 NBA Finals, setting the stage for various exciting storylines in season 3 that will carry on throughout the '80s. While season 1 introduced the characters and world of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, season 2 highlighted the escalating rivalry between the Lakers and the Celtics, showcasing the growing tension between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. To effectively capture this legendary sports rivalry, season 2 used multiple time jumps, covering four seasons of Lakers basketball.

Assuming Winning Time season 3 will continue to utilize time jumps, there are numerous events from the 1980s that the series can delve into. The Lakers will welcome new teammates, the ongoing rivalry with the Celtics will persist, fresh challenges will emerge across the NBA, and the personal lives of the team members will present their own hurdles. As the Lakers steadily progress towards achieving their full "Showtime" potential, they will have to overcome many new obstacles.

10 Jerry Buss' Personal Life

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10 Jerry Buss' Personal Life

Jerry Buss' personal struggles away from the team greatly contribute to the show, not only shaping his own character but also influencing his daughter Jeanie's journey. Following her father's death, Jeanie Buss takes on the position of controlling owner and executive of the Lakers, making her an indispensable part of the storyline. Jeanie Buss has two additional children with her partner Karen Demel in 1985 and 1988, resulting in a total of 6 children. Considering the ongoing conflicts within her family, season 2 has demonstrated the impact of Jeanie's personal life, which will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in season 3 of Winning Time.

Jerry Buss will also be continuing his legal battle with the fictional amalgam, 'Honey', that was introduced in season 2. The ongoing legal dispute with Honey is believed to be inspired by Marsha Lee Osborne, also known as Puppi Buss, who sued Buss for $25 million in a Palimony Suit in 1987. This lawsuit was eventually resolved in 1990. Although the depiction in the show may not be entirely accurate and could potentially wrap up much earlier than 1990, it is likely that the events portrayed took place earlier than in real life in order to add drama to Buss' persistent financial struggles in the series.

9 The Rise Of Michael Jordan

The upcoming season 2 of Winning Time will delve into Michael Jordan's legendary journey, starting with the monumental 1984 draft where he was chosen as the 3rd pick by the Chicago Bulls. This historic selection forever altered the course of the league. While it will take time for Jordan and the Bulls to evolve into championship contenders and challenge the dominant Lakers, his profound impact on both the NBA and the broader basketball culture will be evident right from the start. Finding the perfect actor to portray Michael Jordan in Winning Time will undoubtedly be a captivating task, as even the film Air, featuring Ben Affleck, acknowledged his larger-than-life persona as a significant obstacle in casting an actor for the role.

8 The Lakers Find Their Showtime Chemistry

The Los Angeles Lakers faced considerable challenges in their initial seasons, experiencing significant difficulties. Although team drama is a persistent issue, they will ultimately find their rhythm on the court in the seasons following the 1984 NBA finals. Jerry Buss had a grand vision of making basketball incredibly exciting, and the fast-paced tempo and flashy play style of the Showtime Lakers will undoubtedly achieve that goal throughout the remainder of the decade.

7 First Championship Win Against The Celtics

The Boston Celtics emerged as the champions in 1984, marking the beginning of their '80s rivalry with the Lakers, led by Larry Bird and Red Auerbach. Soon after, in the 1985 finals, the Lakers sought revenge and managed to equalize the score by securing their first finals victory against the Celtics. Despite this setback, the Celtics maintained a dominant record of 8-0 against the Lakers in finals series until then. As of 2023, the Celtics still hold a favorable score of 9-3 against the Lakers, with only two face-offs occurring in the finals during the 21st century.

6 Pat Riley Guarantees Victory

Following their victory in the 1985 finals, the Lakers failed to reach the finals in 1986, allowing the Celtics to emerge as champions. However, in 1987, the Lakers secured their fourth championship of the decade. Notably, during the championship parade held in Los Angeles in 1987, Coach Pat Riley boldly assured Lakers fans that the team would successfully defend their title. This was a daring move that carried potential risks for both him and the team's reputation. Remarkably, their efforts paid off, as they went on to secure another victory in 1988. Adrien Brody, who has portrayed the character brilliantly, is sure to relish this electrifying moment and deliver an exceptional performance.

5 Repeat Finals Wins

In 1988, the Lakers defeated the 'Bad Boy' Detroit Pistons and secured their fifth championship of the decade, thus fulfilling Pat Riley's bold guarantee of ongoing success. However, this marked the team's final significant accomplishment in basketball for a considerable period, as the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and notably the Chicago Bulls emerged as dominant forces in the NBA throughout the next decade. With a total of five championships in the 1980s, the Lakers proved to be the most formidable team, surpassing the Celtics who had won three titles during the same period.

4 Kareem Continues To Decline

Kareem, who has already established himself as an older player early in the series, will continue to experience a decline in performance throughout his last five NBA seasons until his final year in 1989, when he will reach the age of 41. This remarkable career demonstrates exceptional longevity, as Kareem will manage to secure two more championships in two of his last three years in the league. However, Kareem's story does not conclude on the basketball court alone. He goes on to excel in various other domains, establishing himself as a renowned writer, documentary filmmaker, and activist, in addition to his remarkable NBA legacy.

3 James Worthy Grows Into A Star

Originally composed in 1982, James Worthy has already been an integral part of the Winning Time basketball team for two seasons. While he has consistently made significant contributions thus far, the upcoming 1986 season will mark his debut as an All-Star. This achievement is expected to elevate him to a prominent position within the show's narrative and team dynamics. Although Magic and Kareem are undeniably the key figures of the Showtime Lakers, James Worthy will emerge as a formidable third option, solidifying his status as a Hall of Fame player.

2 Magic Johnson Wins MVP

1 Magic's Romantic Life

In the second season of Winning Time, Magic relentlessly pursued Cookie Kelly, who would eventually become his wife in 1991. However, during the 1980s, Magic Johnson's romantic life remained active without any signs of slowing down. This particular aspect of his life is expected to be covered in the third season of Winning Time, leading up to Magic Johnson's announcement of his HIV diagnosis and sudden retirement from the NBA in 1991.