Winning Time Season 2 Soundtrack Guide

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Winning Time Season 2.

HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty returns with a jam-packed season 2 full of popular music from the early 1980s. The bustling soundtrack consists of classic hits and funky deep cuts that span multiple genres and decades and contribute to the fun-loving quintessential LA themes of the celebrated HBO series. While rooted in fact-based sports history, Winning Time’s compelling story is elevated by the uptempo and groovy song choices that significantly authenticate the show’s classic tone and appeal.

Winning Time retains its season 1 theme song “My Favorite Mutiny” by The Coup, kicking off season 2 in a familiar fashion. Similarly to Winning Time season 1, season 2 combines a sensational soundtrack with an excellent instrumental score that picks up during some of the more dramatic moments of the series. Here is every song in Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty season 2 and exactly when it plays.

Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty Season 2, Episode 1, “One Ring Don’t Make A Dynasty”

“Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince & The Revolution: The popular Prince song plays moments after the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics in the first game of the 1984 NBA Finals on the Celtics’ home turf in the first scene of season 2. Without missing a beat, Magic Johnson and his teammates run straight from the court to their bus accompanied by Prince’s upbeat classic in the teaser clip.

“Magic” by Olivia Newton-John: This 1980 pop hit originally appeared in the movie Xanadu but acts as a perfect season 2 introduction to protagonist Magic Johnson fresh off his NBA Championship and MVP Award. The song highlights Magic Johnson’s skyrocket to fame through commercials and billboards all over Los Angeles and peaks into the hedonistic laurels of his success.

“Volare” by Bobby Rydell: This song by 1960s teen idol Bobby Rydell plays behind the conversation between Jerry Buss and Red Auerbach in New York after the 1980 NBA draft. Auerbach informs Buss of his miraculous trade to get both Parish and McHale, making the Celtics strong contenders for the NBA title in 1981. Volare means ‘to fly’ in Italian, which might be a hidden ode to Larry Bird in Winning Time season 2.

“Girls On Film” by Duran Duran: This popular 1981 hit by English rock band Duran Duran plays as Coach Paul Westhead meets with his assistant Pat Riley at the Ocotillo Lounge in sunny Palm Springs, California. The two coaches discuss their strategies for the upcoming NBA season while sitting poolside at the stylish club that was owned by Jerry Buss. The Lakers players and coaching staff stayed at the Ocotillo Lounge while the College of The Desert became their training site.

“Keeper of the Castle” by Four Tops: This classic 1972 funk rock song plays as Cookie has an imaginary conversation with Magic in her bedroom back in Lansing, Michigan. Magic appears as a metaphorical voice in Cookie’s head, knowing that the simple boyfriend she has now will not satisfy her in the long run. The romantic song has cautionary lyrics that apply to Magic’s disloyalty toward Cookie, such as “Be a good man to your lady” which Magic has failed to do.

“Dear Mr. Fantasy” by Traffic: This 1967 classic rock song appears in Winning Time season 2 after Jerry Buss explains to Jerry West why he’s willing to spend an unprecedented amount of money to acquire new talent for the Lakers. West can’t understand Buss’ confidence and willingness to throw around hundreds of thousands, which alludes to the fantastical ideas that Buss has that seem unrealistic to pragmatists.

“Best of My Love” by The Emotions: This iconic track plays during a highlight reel of the ‘Showtime’ Lakers’ hot start to their 1981 season following their 1980 NBA title. It’s an early indication that the Lakers are poised to have another great season that could lead to back-to-back NBA championships with their fast-paced and flashy style of basketball.

“I Feel Love” by Donne Summer: Just over halfway through Winning Time season 2, episode 1, Donna Summer’s instantly recognizable 1976 dance hit plays over an extended montage that highlights the cultural infatuation with Magic Johnson. The montage is brought to an abrupt halt when Magic injures his knee during a regular season game in November 1980, turning his world and the Lakers’ momentum upside down in a tragic instant.

“Feel Good” by Fancy: This old-school-sounding rock song by Fancy was actually released in 2001. It appears in Winning Time season 2, episode 1 when Magic is having sex with a woman while the Lakers are being sorely beaten on television. During the scene, Magic starts to notice how he is treated differently when he’s unable to perform on the basketball court.

“Wobble on Back” by The Cymbals: This instrumental track plays during a Buss family game night with his kids, Jeanie, Johnny, and Jimmy, and they have fun playing Monopoly. The song makes it seem like the Buss family is having a great time playing the game moments before a drunk Jerry feels the need to make a point about life and business to his sons, ruining their laid-back game night.

“Time For Livin'” by Sly & The Family Stone: This classic 1974 soul track plays toward the end of Winning Time season 2, episode 1 as Magic meets his first son Andre for the very first time. Magic is surrounded by his family and the mother of his child Michelle Mitchell at a hospital in Michigan. The song is a reminder that Magic must maintain his responsibilities as a father despite his outstanding success as the star of the Lakers.

“You’re the One for Me” by D Train: This upbeat and funky pop song plays at the end of Winning Time season 2, episode 1 as Magic is finally able to get his cast removed. Coach Paul Westhead’s new offensive System enables the Lakers to pull off some major wins in the absence of Magic, which is elevated by the good vibes of this song by D Train.

“She’s My Lady (and She’s Lovely)” by The Grooving Company: Following the Lakers’ unlikely success without Magic thanks to Paul Westhead’s System, Buss and the team are able to breathe easier after going on an impressive winning streak. This funk song sounds like something straight out of the late 70s but was actually released in 2019.