The Los Angeles Times takes the companion podcast to the next level. Hear the real-life stories behind the most-talked-about TV shows of the moment, on and off the set. Each season, we go deep on one TV series, digging into the history, culture, politics and people lighting up the small screen, and answer your burning questions, from “How did they do that?” to “Did that really happen?”
In the first season, co-hosts Matt Brennan and Kareem Maddox pulled back the curtain on HBO’s “Winning Time” series about the 1980s L.A. Lakers, one of sports’ most unforgettable dynasties. Every week, we brought you stories from the locker room, the soundstage and The Times archives as we explore how the “Showtime” era transformed the NBA — and American culture.
From David Stern to the Chicago Bulls, the NBA attained a new level of prominence in the ‘90s. We discuss how the Lakers of the ‘80s made it possible. Listen and read the full transcript here.
At a time when HIV was seen as a death sentence, Johnson shocked the world by announcing he was infected. The bigger shock was what happened next. Listen and read the full transcript here.
From ‘Winning Time’s’ portrayal of Spencer Haywood to the U.S. war on drugs, we dive into the true story of recreational drug use in the NBA. Listen and read the full transcript here.
When it comes to the surprising history of athlete endorsements, Nike’s pursuit of Magic Johnson in ‘Winning Time’ only scratches the surface. Listen and read the full transcript here.
Laker Girls. The Forum Club. Celebrities sitting courtside. The beating heart of Showtime-era Los Angeles was the “Fabulous Forum.” Listen and read the full transcript here.
Solomon Hughes, who plays Abdul-Jabbar in ‘Winning Time,’ helps us tell the true story of the star center, civil rights activist and possible GOAT. Listen and read the full transcript here.
Actor Gaby Hoffmann and writer Rebecca Bertuch explain what’s fact and what’s fiction in the HBO series’ depiction of its women characters. Listen and read the full transcript here.
We explore the real-life saga behind the Laker coaches — Jerry West, Jack McKinney, Paul Westhead and Pat Riley — who appear in HBO’s “Winning Time.” Listen and read the full transcript here.
Meet Red Auerbach, Larry Bird and the city of Boston: the villains of HBO’s “Winning Time” and real-life nemeses of the Los Angeles Lakers. Listen and read the full transcript here.
The author behind “Winning Time” explains how a rookie point guard and new team owner made “Showtime” and today’s NBA — and inspired the HBO series. Listen and read the full transcript here.
The Team