Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

Mostly, “Winning Time” reminds us that big stars often possess even bigger egos and fragile, easily wounded feelings. Yet the many good things about the series – from the performances to the basketball sequences, which feel as if they too have upped their game – would be so much better if the producers just dialed down the snark and salaciousness a few notches.

Yes, this is a series that feels like a dream come true for NBA fans, but it's just as accessible to non-fans as well.

As it goes in real life, your enthusiasm for hearing those details will be largely driven by your overall interest in the topic, but the vibrant depiction of these events ensures one thing — this show is never in danger of being boring.

The stylistic flourishes of Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty can be distracting at times, but the story is still solid (even if it’s not fully factual) and the performances are still across-the-board excellent.

Overall, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty returns with a solid and, in some ways, even more captivating follow-up that comprehensively sums up a large chunk of basketball history. And in a TV landscape where the amount of sports dramas and documentaries is ever-growing, that’s an impressive accomplishment.

It’s still fun to watch—especially with striking direction by the likes of Tanya Hamilton and Trey Edward Shults—but “Winning Time” can’t quite repeat the fresh success in its second season. It’s as breezy and proud as a victory lap, which is only so engaging.

The pace might be slower in this series, which will be broadcast weekly, but the magic is still there.