The third episode of ‘Winning Time’ continues to chart the transitional period in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers. New owner Jerry Buss begins to instil his own concept in the team’s culture while removing all impediments to his colleagues’ progress. Buss has only one goal: to make the Los Angeles Lakers one of the best teams in the league.

However, the resignation of head coach Jerry West presents a significant obstacle for Buss. If you’re wondering about how Buss navigates this tough obstacle and continues to construct the Lakers’ dynasty, here’s all you need to know about the episode 3 finale of ‘Winning Time’! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Recap of Winning Time Episode 3

The third episode, titled ‘The Best Is Yet to Come,’ begins with Jerry West handing in his resignation letter to Buss. Buss is enraged by West’s public resignation and believes it will harm team morale. Furthermore, the Lakers’ training camp for the upcoming season is set to begin in three weeks, making it difficult for the Lakers to hire a new coach on such short notice. However, following a tense debate in which West expresses his doubts about his competence as a coach, Buss accepts the former Lakers star’s departure.

Another former Lakers player, on the other hand, joins the scene, but unlike West, he is looking to re-enter the basketball fold. Pat Riley, a former Los Angeles Lakers point guard, attempts to meet with broadcaster Chick Hearn. Riley is dissatisfied with his post-retirement life and aspires to be closer to the game he enjoys. As a result, he approaches Hearn about a possible position as a co-commentator at The Forum. Despite his concerns that Riley’s voice is unsuited for the job, Hearn requests that Riley create a tape as an application. Riley grows depressed about the situation of his life as he works on his commentating voice. Riley is consoled by his wife, Chris, and he continues to work on the video.

In other news, rookie Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr has arrived in Los Angeles ahead of the start of the new season. However, he rapidly becomes disoriented in the city’s glitz and feels lonely. Furthermore, after speaking with Norm Nixon, Magic becomes unsure of his position on the squad. Meanwhile, Buss is narrowing down his options for the role of head coach. Buss prefers Jerry Tarkanian, a collegiate basketball coach, for the job. Buss travels to Las Vegas to persuade Tarkanian, who is doubtful. Although a deal appears to be in the works, an unexpected incident alters Tarkanian’s career and the Lakers’ season as a whole.

Winning Time Episode 3 Finale: Did Jerry Tarkanian Accept the Los Angeles Lakers’ Offer?

Buss decides to hire Jerry Tarkanian as the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in the episode. However, he is having difficulties persuading Tarkanian to accept the position. Tarkanian, the coach of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, is content with his work despite the legal fights and a lack of resources. Nonetheless, Buss wants to persuade Tarkanian to accept the position. As a result, he travels to Las Vegas to meet with the college coach in person. Buss is so adamant about Tarkanian becoming the Lakers’ next coach that he will not listen to West’s suggestions.

Buss had an uneasy conversation with Tarkanian in Las Vegas. The college coach reiterates his satisfaction with his position. Furthermore, he is motivated by his passion of the game and the support of the local community. As a result, he has no plans to leave Las Vegas anytime soon. Nonetheless, Buss extends an offer to Tarkanian in order to demonstrate his faith in Tarkanian’s ability. Buss offers Tarkanian an exorbitant salary to coach the Lakers, making him the highest-paid coach in the NBA. In addition, Buss gives Tarkanian two Rolls-Royce automobiles to sweeten the deal. Tarkanian accepts the offer after much deliberation.

Tarkanian is on his way to Los Angeles with his wife in the episode’s concluding seconds. Tarkanian learns, however, that his close buddy Victor Weiss has been murdered before leaving Las Vegas. Tarkanian is shaken by Weiss’ death, and the episode’s conclusion almost guarantees that he will turn down Buss’ offer. As history has it, West’s chosen and relatively unknown coach Jack McKinney would go on to coach the Lakers for a brief spell during the 1979-80 season.