Businessman Jerry Buss bets it all on the lackluster Los Angeles Lakers – and rookie phenom Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
As Buss attempts to connect with a fellow franchise owner, Coach West and Claire face near impossible mandates, and Earvin looks for love.
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, Earvin finds himself alone in a new city, while former Laker Pat Riley seeks out a new place within the team.
While training in Palm Springs, the introduction of a new playing style threatens to further divide an already fractured Lakers franchise.
While the Lakers prepare for their season opener, Kareem experiences a crisis of faith, and Buss clashes with those closest to him.
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.
As the Lakers hit the road, Dr. Buss makes a dangerous bid with Coach Westhead, and Earvin's rivalry with Larry Bird is put to the test.
McKinney's potential return threatens Paul and Pat's increasingly successful status quo, while Earvin and Buss each face shocking truths.
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.
Down two men and with the 1980 NBA Championship 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.
1980. As the Lakers’ post-victory season begins, a laser-focused Jerry Buss shores up his all-star roster – and his relationship with his children. Later, a catastrophic injury threatens the team’s chance at defending their title.
When Earvin’s return threatens the Lakers’ new "system," Pat Riley and Jerry West push for a risky trade. While Coach Westhead fights for his team, Jeanie clashes with her brothers, and a melancholy Buss attempts to court a figure from his past.
In the 1970s, college drop-out Larry Bird fends off offers from Indiana State’s Bill Hodges – and, later, Celtics’ head coach Red Auerbach. As the ’81-’82 season begins, Earvin pushes Buss for a long-term commitment, while Coach Westhead risks it all on a key move.
After Earvin’s record-setting contract reaches the press, resentments flair in the locker room – and extend to the court. As the Lakers fight for their standing in the league, Buss looks to take his relationship with Honey to the next level, while Pat questions his role, and Coach Westhead meets with an old friend.
After a final clash between Earvin and Coach Westhead, Buss tasks Jerry West with picking up the pieces. As Honey attempts a heart-to-heart with Jeanie, Buss faces pushback from the press and his Captain. Later, Pat faces his demons and takes control of his team.
Despite taking home another ring, the Lakers face a series of humiliating defeats. While attempting to regroup, Buss fields accusations from Honey, Norm receives devastating news, and Earvin does his best to win Cookie over for good. Then, when a life-changing event alters Kareem’s perspective, a newly united team vies for a shot at taking on the Celtics – and Larry Bird.
As the 1984 NBA Finals begin, tensions between the Lakers and Celtics reach new heights. While Buss fends off a potentially life-altering lawsuit, Claire faces the possibility of yet another bankruptcy, and Jeanie questions her place in professional sports. Later, Earvin and Larry battle to the bitter end of their first Finals face-off.
A brief series teaser.
The three actor who play Magic, Kareen, and Norm Nixon play a game of HORSE.
A look behind the scenes with costume designer Emma Porter.
Short interview with Rodney Barnes
A tour of the set with the actors.
A look behind the scenes with set designer Argya Sadan.
