The conclusion of ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ marks the end of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 1979-80 NBA season. All eyes are on the Lakers, who are seeking for their first title under new owner Jerry Buss, when they face the powerful Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals. However, the Lakers are forced to play the last game of the series without a key player. The players give it their best on the court, their resolve tested and the championship title on the line. But is that enough to declare them winners? Let us investigate! Everything that happens in ‘Winning Time’ episode 10, titled ‘Promised Land,’ is detailed below. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Recap of the Winning Time Finale

The first season finale begins with the fifth game of the 1980 NBA Finals Series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers are in command of the game because to Captain Kareem Abdul-outstanding Jabbar’s performance. However, Abdul-Jabbar suffers an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter. Despite this, he continues to play, guiding the squad to victory and giving the Lakers a 3-2 series lead.

Following a scan, it is determined that Abdul-Jabbar will be unable to play in the sixth and decisive game of the Finals. Paul Westhead and Pat Riley, the coaches, discuss a possible solution. With Abdul-Jabbar out, Spencer Haywood is expected to be recalled. He is, however, excluded due to his cocaine addiction. Meanwhile, Jerry Buss is overjoyed to learn that the Lakers have achieved financial parity and will be able to return their debt. However, following his mother’s terrible death, the new owner must first pick a new treasurer.

The Lakers will play their sixth game in Philadelphia. Jack McKinney gives Westhead words of encouragement and advise before the trip. Meanwhile, Abdul-Jabbar informs Magic Johnson that he will not be playing and delegates leadership of the squad to Magic. Magic embraces the challenge and persuades his coaches and teammates to use him as a center in place of Abdul-Jabbar. Without the talismanic Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers, according to fans and commentators, have little chance of winning. Magic Johnson, a twenty-year-old rookie, is determined to prove the doubters wrong.

Winning Time Is Up: Will the Los Angeles Lakers Win the NBA Finals?

The sixth game of the NBA Finals begins, and everyone is startled to see Magic in the center position. He gives up the initial tip to Caldwell Jones, casting further doubt on his ability to play the position. However, Magic rapidly disproves the doubters and begins to rack up scores. The Lakers gain the lead and manage to keep it despite the 76ers’ aggressive effort. The Lakers, on the other hand, begin to weary as the game develops. By the fourth quarter, the 76ers have mounted a comeback and are only one point behind their opponents. The game appeared to be slipping away from the Lakers.

The Lakers are out of choices with little bench depth and starting players who are tired. During the timeout, Pat Riley informs a fatigued Magic that he has been beaten by Larry Bird for the NBA Rookie of the Year award. As a result, Magic returns to the floor with a renewed sense of purpose. With less than two minutes remaining in the game, Magic shifts the momentum back in favor of the Lakers. As the Lakers utterly defeat the 76ers, he receives assistance from teammates Norm Nixon, Michael Cooper, and others. The Lakers win the game by a score of 123-107 to become the 1980 NBA Champions.

Jerry Buss and his team eventually prove the doubters wrong by winning the NBA Championship. While it’s time to celebrate, Magic, Buss, and Jerry West have their sights set on more championships. With Magic at the center of everything the Lakers do on the court and a solid supporting cast, it is clear that the Lakers will be a dominant force for a long time. Thus, the finale not only signals the end of a successful season, but also the beginning of a dynasty.

Who Will Be the Finals MVP?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is notified that he has won the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award following his team’s triumph. Despite missing the sixth game, Abdul-Jabbar was undeniably the driving force behind the team’s run to the NBA Championship. As a result, it comes as no surprise that he will be chosen Finals MVP. However, in the last moments of the show, NBA Commissioner David Stern chooses to present the award to Magic Johnson.

Stern feels that selecting Magic Johnson as the Finals MVP will benefit the league and set the tone for the upcoming season. Since Larry Bird won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, Magic winning the Finals MVP will establish a narrative rivalry between the two for the upcoming season. Finally, Magic accepts the award. Instead of feeling betrayed, Abdul-Jabbar warmly congratulates his new friend, solidifying the partnership that will become the foundation of the Lakers’ dynasty.

Who Is the New Lakers Treasurer?

At the outset of the episode, Buss is faced with the task of appointing a new treasurer following the death of his mother, Jessie Buss, who previously held the position. Buss discusses the job with his daughter, Jeanie. He does not, however, offer her the role. Instead, he just seeks Jeanie’s guidance. Despite her youth, Jeanie believes she is capable of handling the burden. She is devastated to find that Buss is considering bringing in her brothers to work full-time for the Lakers. However, by the end of the episode, it is clear that Buss requires an experienced and capable treasurer.

With the NBA Championship secured, Buss makes his decision and names Claire Rothman as Treasurer and Vice President of the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout the season, Rothman takes sound financial judgments for the squad. At the same time, she recognizes and supports Buss’ vision for the club. She is also a strong independent woman, much like Buss’ mother. As a result, Claire is the ideal candidate for the position. Finally, Buss recognizes Claire’s efforts and names her treasurer.