‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ is a sports drama series created by Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht. It is a fictionalized account of the Los Angeles Lakers’ spectacular climb to fame and glory in the NBA under owner Jerry Buss. The first season of the series premiered in March 2022, and it follows the Lakers during their 1979-80 NBA season.

The series earned great reviews from critics and immediately established a devoted fan base. In fact, the sports drama more than doubled its audience from the debut to the conclusion. With the first season completed, viewers must be wondering if the show would return for a second season. In such case, please allow us to share everything we know about ‘Winning Time’ season 2!

Winning Time Season 2 Premiere Date

‘Winning Time’ season 1 aired on HBO on March 6, 2022, and finished on May 8, 2022. The first season consists of ten episodes each lasting 54-59 minutes.

We have some great news about the show’s sophomore season! On April 7, 2022, HBO announced that the series had been renewed for another season. It’s not surprising that the parent network sought to ride the show’s wave of success, given its positive critical reaction and ratings.

HBO’s Executive Vice President of Programming, Francesca Orsi, said in a statement to the press, “This series not only tells the thrilling tale of the Lakers’ rise, but it is also a look back at a transformative moment in basketball, celebrity, and the city of Los Angeles.” We can’t wait to watch how this team tells the next chapter of this dynasty.”

That being said, fans should expect to see more of the Los Angeles Lakers’ “Showtime” Era on their television screens. However, no release date for the second season has been confirmed. Because the second season was commissioned while the first was still airing, the show’s creative team is most likely working on the new season right now. That indicates production should begin soon. As a result, audiences can anticipate the release of ‘Winning Time’ season 2 in the first quarter of 2023.

Winning Time Season 2 Cast: Who Could Appear?

The first season of ‘Winning Time’ stars John C. Reilly (Jerry Buss), Quincy Isaiah (Magic Johnson), Jason Clarke (Jerry West), Adrien Brody (Pat Riley), and Gaby Hoffmann (Claire Rothman). Tracy Letts (Jack McKinney), Jason Segel (Paul Westhead), Hadley Robinson (Jeanie Buss), and Solomon Hughes also play key roles (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

The main cast also features DeVaughn Nixon (Norm Nixon), Tamera Tomakili (Earletha “Cookie” Kelly, Delante Desouza (Michael Cooper), and Spencer Garrett (Chick Hearn). In addition, we see Julianne Nicholson (Cranny McKinney), Brett Cullen (Bill Sharman), Stephen Adly Guirgis (Frank Mariani), Jimel Atkins (Jamaal Wilkes), Rob Morgan (Earvin Johnson Sr.), and Sally Field (Jessie Buss).

The majority of the primary cast members are expected to return for the second season. However, due to her character’s death in the ninth episode of Season 1, Sally Field is unlikely to appear. Recurring cast members such as Michael Chiklis (Red Auerbach), Sean Patrick Small (Larry Bird), Andy Hirsch (David Stern), and James Lesure (Julius Erving) are all expected to return. At the same time, we might see some fresh faces join the cast for season 2.

Winning Time Season 2 Plot: What Could It Be About?

The first season of ‘Winning Time’ follows Jerry Buss when he purchases the Los Angeles Lakers and drafts youngster Magic Johnson. In his debut season, Magic becomes a vital member of the team, forming a solid partnership with captain Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Despite various obstacles and a complicated coaching scenario, the Lakers reach the 1980 NBA Finals. In the season finale, Magic leads the club to the NBA title in Abdul-absence Jabbar’s due to injury.

The second season will most likely focus on the Lakers’ 1980-81 season under coach Paul Westhead and his assistant, Pat Riley. It could emphasize the ramifications of Magic Johnson’s injury as well as the team’s shifting style of play under Westhead. On the other hand, we could see more of Magic’s connection with Cookie and rivalry with Larry Bird.