HBO’s ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ is a sports drama series written by Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht that dramatizes the story of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team of the 1980s. The show, which debuted in 2022, is based on Jeff Pearlman’s book of the same name.
The second season centers around Jerry Buss and the Los Angeles Lakers as they strive for sustained success from 1980 through 1984. Fans of the show are probably wondering if the LA Lakers’ tale would continue in a third season after the second season-ending concluded with the 1984 NBA Finals. That being said, here is all you require to learn about the potential for a third season of “Winning Time.”
Winning Time Season 3 Renewal Status
Well, it only took a few days for HBO to announce the cancellation of Winning Time after season 2 concluded. As a result, the promise of a fresh season has been dashed. The decision has surprised and shocked many, despite the fact that it is not unprecedented for the platform to terminate successful shows.
However, it appears that HBO was considering renewing the show before the announcement of its cancellation. According to Screenrant’s reporting, author Jeff Pearlman has doubts about Winning Time Season 3, but he is still hopeful. He added that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes had significantly reduced the likelihood of the drama’s revival.
However, Jeff later tweeted that Season 3 of Winning Time might not premiere on HBO Max because of the strikes. The author added that the show needed more viewers before the creators would consider renewing it. However, at this point in time, the future of sports drama is set in stone. Many viewers felt the show never really got going, therefore they believe HBO made the right choice in canceling it.
Winning Time Season 3 Release Date
After last night’s Season 2 conclusion of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, the show was immediately canceled. Considering the optimistic tone of the series’ championship, the conclusion that the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics at the conclusion of the 1984 season comes as something of a shock.
That last episode now includes a new scenario that teases future success. In the end credits, the team’s remarkable season is highlighted. Winning Time, on the other hand, is canceled after only two seasons.
Winning Time Story
The show is a fictionalized account of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers basketball club. Season one focuses on Jerry Buss’ first year as an NBA owner and Magic Johnson’s rookie year (1979–1980). The time period of the second season is 1980-1984.
Winning Time Cast
- John C. Reilly as Jerry Buss
- Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson
- Jason Clarke as Jerry West
- Adrien Brody as Pat Riley
- Gaby Hoffmann as Claire Rothman
- Tracy Letts as Jack McKinney
- Jason Segel as Paul Westhead
- Julianne Nicholson as Cranny McKinney
- Hadley Robinson as Jeanie Buss
- DeVaughn Nixon as Norm Nixon
- Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Tamera Tomakili as Earletha “Cookie” Kelly
- Spencer Garrett as Chick Hearn
- Sarah Ramos as Cheryl Pistono
- Molly Gordon as Linda Zafrani
- Brett Cullen as Bill Sharman
- Stephen Adly Guirgis as Frank Mariani
- Delante Desouza as Michael Cooper
- Jimel Atkins as Jamaal Wilkes
- Austin Aaron as Mark Landsberger
- Joey Brooks as Lon Rosen
- Jon Young as Brad Holland
- Rob Morgan as Earvin Johnson Sr.
- Sally Field as Jessie Buss
- Gillian Jacobs as Chris Riley
- Thomas Mann as Johnny Buss
- McCabe Slye as Jimmy Buss
- Michael Chiklis as Red Auerbach
Winning Time Season 2 Ending
Despite the title, Winning Time has ended on a losing note. Let’s take a quick look at the key spoilers, as the season two finale is the final chapter of the series. The season finale featured a matchup between the Lakers and the Celtics. The Boston Bruins, led by Larry Bird, defeated their opponents from the West Coast. In the meantime, Los Angeles suffered a humiliating loss. They tried to leave the court, but a mob of Celtics rushed them.
Lakers owner Jerry Buss and his daughter Jeanie sat courtside at the Forum in the concluding scenes of the episode. To mark the occasion, they cracked open a bottle of whisky. Dr. Buss reassured his daughter that everything would be fine by explaining the situation to her. In addition, they both gaze upward, and the episode ends with a Gen X anthem. Many viewers also believed that Season 2 of Winning Time was cut off too soon.
Winning Time Season 3 Plot
Season 3 of Winning Time has yet to unveil any narrative details. However, recent seasons have shown that basketball-related action and drama may be expected. Season 1984–1985, during which Ron Harper joined the Lakers and Magic Johnson won the MVP award, will likely be the focus of the upcoming series. The end of Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA career could potentially be in sight for the fans.
If Season 3 of Winning Time is ever produced, fans may look forward to being pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained. It would feel like a dream come true for everybody who has watched the show from the beginning. If the program is renewed, we may expect HBO to improve upon its already successful formula and produce an even better season. In the end, we can only hope for the best.