Ep 1. The Swan

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is a limited documentary series that chronicles the journey of the Los Angeles Lakers through the 1980s and early 1990s. The first episode of the series is titled "The Swan" and explores the early days of Lakers legend Magic Johnson.

The episode opens with a brief overview of the Lakers' struggling franchise in the late 1970s. After a string of disappointing seasons, the team was in dire need of a spark to reignite their success. That spark came in the form of Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

We are then transported to Lansing, Michigan, where Magic was born and raised. The episode showcases his early passion for basketball and his incredible skills on the court. We hear from Magic's high school basketball coach, who speaks highly of his natural talent and ability to make those around him better.

Next, we are taken to Magic's college years at Michigan State University. It was during this time that he earned the nickname "Magic" for his seemingly supernatural abilities on the basketball court. We hear from Magic's college coach, Jud Heathcote, who shares his firsthand experiences coaching the young superstar.

The episode then shifts focus to the 1979 NBA draft, where the Lakers had the first overall pick. We hear from former Lakers general manager Bill Sharman, who explains the thought process behind choosing Magic as the first pick. The Lakers had already had their eyes on Magic since his college days, and they knew he would be the missing piece to their puzzle.

The episode then delves into Magic's rookie season with the Lakers. We hear from former teammates and coaches who describe the impact he had on the team's success. Magic proved to be a game-changer right from the start, helping the Lakers secure their first championship in nearly a decade.

Throughout the episode, we also get glimpses of the Los Angeles lifestyle that Magic quickly became accustomed to. We see clips of him driving around L.A. in his flashy convertible and attending star-studded events. These scenes emphasize the unique combination of Magic's incredible talent on the court and his natural magnetism off the court.

Overall, "The Swan" is a captivating introduction to Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. The episode sets the stage for the series to come, showcasing the early days of Magic Johnson and how he helped transform the Lakers into one of the most dominant teams of all time. Viewers get a glimpse into the Lakers' past and a deeper understanding of the team's culture and legacy.