"Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" Pieces of a Man (TV Episode 2022) Poster

(TV Series)

(2022)

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7/10
Kareem?
ecsecs-9122524 April 2022
Overall another good episode, I just hope people who are also enjoying the show and Kareem's character also check out live footage and interviews from their '79 season. You'll see right away that Kareem's personality is not even close to what is being portrayed here. Moody, self centered, detached, not even close. Case in point, watch real highlights from the Clippers game. Kareem was fully engaged and encouraging ALL of his teammates, including Magic. He NEVER sat away from a huddle, especially while coach draws up a play to try and win!? Then afterwards he did a FULL interview with a BIG SMILE. He did not walk away like a jerk.

I understand this is a show and most of the antics are just for dramatization, but I'm seeing way too many comments and reviews by individuals believing Kareem, and other NBA players from that era, acted this way.
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8/10
Digging deep into Cap
eriebeachboy26 April 2022
Shows like this tend to be loose with the truth, but there's a lot of reality served up in this episode. Despite the January 6'er downvoting this episode because he realized that he's no different than the bad guys Kareem's flashbacks highlight, it's fascinating to see the dynamic between Magic and Kareem early on and the demons that he had to face with his faith and how America was, and frankly? Still is. A nice entry in the series.
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8/10
Pieces of a Man
Prismark1020 May 2022
Out of all the Lakers players of that golden basketball era. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still remains relevant today.

He writes thoughtful and reflective pieces on sports and racism.

Maybe the real Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not as sullen as he appears in this show. After all he was happy to poke fun of himself in Airplane!

This episode examines how important the Muslim faith is to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. How he reacted to racial violence that he experienced in his youth.

There are tensions between Kareem, Magic Johnson and McKinney. It is Magic Johnson who is enthusiastic about the new way of playing and as the season begins, the Lakers get results.

Another very good episode and a good performance from Solomon Hughes as he delves into the complexity of his character.
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10/10
TRANSFORMATION
alydar214 April 2022
Holy smokes this is fun! Learning Abdul-Jabbar's background, reasons for his way of seeing the world, and witnessing his transformation, had me rapt. It may be embellished, but it's a history lesson that is alive and breathing.
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10/10
So many emotions!
yannis_bal5 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
We are seeing the showtime Lakers form, piece by piece (to use part of the episode's title). The chemistry between Kareem and Magic, the Laker girls, the mistrust towards dr Buss in the beginning becoming enthusiasm, little by little.

We are also witnessing in detail, Kareem's backstory, and we are feeling for him, in every step of the way... His struggle wanting his life to actually mean something, to insipre others, his almost indifference for the game in which he was great, his annoyment towards the always happy and enthusiastic young rookie, and in the end, his acceptance that he doesn't have to play god and that he can enjoy himself in the wonderful Basketball organization he is a part of

The emotion that caught me off guard though was the mention of Jelly bean Bryant... And of his baby son Kobe who was in the crowd. I felt so moved, so happy and sad at the same time... I cried like a little girl again for the Black Mamba.... I was not prepared for this

And finally, Jack McKinney's accident, which will set in motion Paul Westhead's career with the Lakers

What a wonderful series and episode... 10/10 hands down.
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9/10
Kareem deep dive
vikcyru16 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Loved this episode which delved into the juxtaposing feel of Magic and Kareem...

Kareem's ethos. Why his demeanour was so serious. His faith, his purpose bigger than ball. Paula Abdul's intro as head lakers girl was awesome along with the intro of the Lakers girls...

The end was very dramatic with Jack Mckinneys bike accident but the drama of the show was all about the flashback of Kareem with his father. His choice of faith. His anger towards society for racism, oppression and the vision of the smiling black man. The line I loved was - 'hood made you tall so you would inspire men, and knees to bend them with men...'
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7/10
The season starts with the Lakers winning! And Kareem comes alive!
blanbrn7 April 2022
Episode 5 "Pieces of a Man" from "HBO's" "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" was again one entertaining and interesting episode. The 1979-80 "NBA" season has started and the "Lakers" get off to a hot winning streak as "Magic" and "Kareem" come together and play as teammates! It's win after win for the purple and gold, also the episode is revealing showing some of Kareem's past as you see what made and shaped him. Also owner Jerry Buss has acquired some entertainment dance style at Lakers home games. Plus the episode twist and ends with some unexpected drama. Overall super great episode of a revealing series as it sets up just perfect for the next 5 episodes.
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