The ninth episode of ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ moves the Los Angeles Lakers closer to the promised land. Jerry Buss confronts a difficult challenge in the episode titled ‘Acceptable Loss,’ as he must choose between Jack McKinney and Paul Westhead as the coach to lead the Lakers to the playoffs. The players, on the other hand, are in for a difficult time once one of them is proven to be a cocaine addict. If you’re curious in what happens throughout the Lakers’ journey to the NBA Finals and what sacrifices they must make along the way, here’s all you need to know about the ending of ‘Winning Time’ episode 9! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Recap of Winning Time Episode 9

The eighth episode begins with Claire Rothman explaining the team’s finances to Jerry Buss. The Lakers are clinging to life and must reach the NBA Finals to break even despite Buss’ excessive spending on the squad. Claire tries to persuade Buss to let Jeanie work at The Forum. Buss, on the other hand, rejects since Jeanie is caring for her grandma. Buss learns that McKinney has been cleared by physicians to return as the Lakers’ head coach. As a result, Buss must choose between reinstating McKinney and supporting Paul Westhead and his aide Pat Riley.

Buss asks Jerry West for assistance in resolving the matter. After some hesitation, West agrees to assist Buss in making the decision but requests some time. Meanwhile, Riley is concerned that he and Westhead will miss out on the chance to lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals. Spencer Haywood had an outburst during practice, prompting a private chat with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Haywood admits to being hooked to cocaine but vows to quit before the playoffs. As a result, Abdul-Jabbar does not report his teammate.

Buss and Jeanie are concerned as Jessie’s illness worsens. Buss is informed by the doctor that his mother has only a few days to live. After spending time with her family by the pool, Jessie suffers a stroke that puts her in a coma. Meanwhile, Jeanie considers communicating with Buss about a full-time position at The Forum. West informs Buss that he is unable to address the coaching dilemma and advises Buss to follow his instincts. Buss arrives at McKinney’s house to discuss his return, but decides against it when he realizes McKinney is still unfit to coach. In the end, the Lakers make it to the NBA Finals, and Buss decides to remove his mother from the ventilator.

Winning Time Season 9 Episode 9: Is Spencer Haywood Fired From the Team?

In the episode’s third act, Buss suffers a devastating personal loss when his mother dies, but the Lakers advance to the NBA Finals. As a result, the episode emphasizes the difficulties that everyone associated with the Lakers has in reaching the finals. Another difficult sacrifice occurs in the episode’s final moments, when the Lakers must decide whether to let Spencer Haywood finish the season or fire him. The Lakers team unwinds at The Forum Club after confirming their position in the finals. They are, however, made aware of Haywood’s deteriorating state as a result of his addiction.

Abdul-Jabbar informs the team’s management of the event. Westhead and Riley summon the entire squad for a meeting to examine the problem. While Riley believes Haywood will be an important player for the squad in the finals, Westhead lets the players settle the dispute. He argues that because the decision will have an immediate impact on the squad, the players should vote on whether or not to dismiss Haywood. Abdul-Jabbar decides to organize a vote after soliciting a few ideas.

Abdul-Jabbar meets with Haywood in the locker room after the decision is made. Haywood feels misled and believes that his fate is being decided by “white” people. However, Abdul-Jabbar informs him that the players voted on Haywood’s destiny, with no input from the coaches. Abdul-Jabbar then admits that he cast the deciding vote that resulted in the dismissal of Haywood. Haywood storms out of the locker room, while Abdul-Jabbar mulls over his decision. The stressful times emphasize how tough it is to lose a dear teammate. The episode concludes with Abdul-Jabbar teaching Magic Johnson his signature skyhook shot and Haywood ordering a hit on his Lakers teammates.