Winning Time Episode 2 ‘Is That All There Is?’ Recap and Ending Explained

Winning Time Episode 2 Recap

The documentary ‘Winning Time: The Growth of the Lakers Dynasty,’ directed by Max Borenstein & Jim Hecht, chronicles the rise of the Los Angeles Lakers as an unstoppable force in the NBA during the 1980s.

After businessman Jerry Buss takes over the team in episode 2, the administration and coaching staff prepare for many changes.

Meanwhile, rookie Magic Johnson’s life changes as a result of his signing with the Lakers. Despite his best efforts to establish a happy environment, Buss is taken aback by a sudden transformation that even he could not have predicted.

Here’s everything you need to know about the ending of ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ episode 2 if you want to learn more!

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

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Winning Time Episode 2 Ending Explained

‘Winning Time’ Episode 2 ‘Is That All There Is?’ Recap

The second episode, ‘Is That All There Is?,’ begins with a flashback to Jerry West’s boyhood. West has struggled with anxiousness as a result of his failure to win the NBA finals on multiple times.

As a result of his failure, he is determined to win the championship as a coach. Jerry Buss attends a pre-season team meeting to discuss the team’s finances and possible transactions.

However, Buss and West clash about the decisions that must be taken in order for the Lakers to compete for the championship.

Buss provides West and Bill Sharman one week to compile a list of the conditions for winning the championship without having to worry about money.

He assuages West’s fears by assuring him that he has complete authority over the team’s playing style and lineup selections.

Johnson, meanwhile, returns to his hometown and begins to brag about the money and fame he has gained since signing with the Lakers.

He insults Cookie’s boyfriend in an attempt to get her back. Cookie, on the other hand, is enraged by the circumstance. Johnson’s mother, on the other hand, is concerned that her son’s sudden fame and fortune would spoil him and lead him down a bad path.

Johnson’s father, on the other hand, assures her that Magic is on the right track. West tries to get ready for his next meeting with Buss by talking to Nixon and Abdul-Jabbar about how important they are to his goals.

He chooses to play Johnson at forward and begins to develop a clear picture of the team’s squad for the coming season.

Buss visits the NBA owners’ meeting, where he learns about the league’s problems and why its popularity is dwindling. Red Auerbach, the General Manager of the Boston Celtics, meets with Buss.

Buss schedules a meeting with Auerbach and requests advise on how to achieve long-term success on and off the court.

Auerbach, on the other hand, taunts Buss by telling him he has the ability to build a basketball dynasty.

Claire Rothman is a demanding boss for Jeanie, but she admires her ideas for making The Forum more profitable. Buss finally chooses to establish the team’s objectives and philosophy, inspired by Auerbach’s attacks, but he receives terrible news.

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Winning Time Episode 2 Ending

Why Does ‘Jerry West’ Resign in Winning Time Episode 2?

Buss tries to get along with Auerbach in order to acquire some insight into how to run an NBA team in this episode. Auerbach, on the other hand, dismisses and insults Buss.

He offers to buy Buss’s valuable players and advises him to profit from the Lakers while he still has the opportunity.

Auerbach’s remarks derive from the fact that his team is still undefeated in the NBA finals against the Lakers. Buss, on the other hand, is dead set on ushering the Lakers into a new era.

Buss enters his meeting with the team administration fueled by his desire to succeed and prove Auerbach wrong. Buss delivers an impassioned speech in which he emphasises that the team’s whole focus moving forward should be on winning.

Buss then goes on to ask West what the squad needs to win the championship. West believes the team is almost ready to fight for the championship, but there is one missing piece of the puzzle.

Buss is concerned that West is making a reference to Johnson. Buss went against West’s intentions to sign Johnson during the NBA draught. As a result, Buss’ concerns are justified.

However, much to everyone’s amazement, West decides to retire, hinting that he is the missing puzzle piece. Buss is concerned about the issue, as he believes West is the best person to lead the squad despite their differences of opinion.

West’s decision is most likely motivated by his failings as a player with the squad. In addition, West’s interaction with his wife earlier in the episode suggests that his job puts him and his marriage under too much stress. As a result, West has decided to retire from coaching the Lakers.