On Thursday, HBO announced that, as expected, Winning Time would be getting a second season.
The dramatized series focusing on the Showtime Lakers (based on Jeff Pearlman’s book Showtime) has received positive reviews from critics, though response from inside the NBA has been less encouraging. The league has objected to usage of its trademarks, and the portrayal of some personalities, including Jerry West, has received negative feedback.
The Lakers themselves have also been cold towards the series, repeatedly stating “The Lakers have no comment as we are not supporting nor involved with this project.”
Back in February, we mused that a second season was likely after HBO optioned Jeff Pearlman’s second book about the Lakers, Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty. In their release announcing the renewal of Winning Time, HBO made no mention of the second book or the subject of Winning Time‘s second season, only referring to “the next chapter of this dynasty.”
I’m curious if HBO will be able to mend fences with the NBA and the Lakers with a second season announced. If not, expect more of the same reactions once it drops.
