Watch Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers

Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers offers an in-depth look into the storied history of one of basketball's most iconic franchises - the Los Angeles Lakers. Premiering in 2022, this 10-episode docuseries chronicles the team's rise from its early days in Minneapolis to becoming a dynasty in Los Angeles. It features rare archival footage and interviews with Lakers legends, executives and family members to provide an intimate perspective on how the franchise has captivated generations of fans.

The series begins in the late 1940s, when the Lakers were founded as the Minneapolis Lakers. We learn how the team quickly became a force to be reckoned with, led by early star George Mikan. The Lakers won five championships in six years, establishing themselves as an NBA powerhouse. But struggling attendance leads the Lakers to relocate to sunny Los Angeles in 1960, ushering in a new golden era.

With a core led by Hall of Famers Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, the Lakers cement themselves as a West Coast contender throughout the 60s. However, they repeatedly fall short against their arch-rival, the Boston Celtics. The series provides insights into the Lakers' frustrating Finals losses and their tireless quest to finally break through and win a title in LA.

The franchise's fortunes change with the arrival of Wilt Chamberlain in 1968. His dominant presence finally helps the Lakers win their much-awaited championship in 1972. But new challenges emerge the following years, as age and injuries force stars like West and Chamberlain into retirement.

The Lakers struggle throughout the late 70s, until a franchise-changing moment - the 1979 draft selection of Earvin "Magic" Johnson. His flashy, uptempo style teams up with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's finesse to create the high-flying "Showtime" Lakers of the 80s. Led by coach Pat Riley, Showtime revolutionizes basketball, winning five titles behind Magic and Kareem's brilliance.

The series gives viewers a courtside seat to their dynastic run, showcasing Magic's artistry and Abdul-Jabbar's unstoppable skyhook. But Showtime begins to run out of steam by the late 80s, as injuries hamper Kareem's final seasons. In 1991, Magic is forced into sudden retirement after testing HIV-positive.

The Lakers wander through the 90s without clear direction, but a 1996 trade for 17-year-old phenom Kobe Bryant injects new energy. Kobe spends years battling with teammate Shaquille O'Neal, but their fractious chemistry delivers a three-peat dynasty from 2000-2002. The Kobe/Shaq era propels the Lakers back atop the NBA, setting up yet another golden era for the new millennium.

Legacy provides unparalleled access into professional basketball's most iconic organization. Through rare interviews and footage, it intimately depicts how shrewd management, legendary players and a dash of Hollywood glamour built this timeless sports dynasty.

Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on August 15, 2022.