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 and beyond. 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 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.

Winning Time Season 2, Episode 2 “The Magic Is Back”

“Urgent” by Foreigner: This classic 1981 rock track plays during the first private workout session that Magic has with assistant coach Pat Riley. Magic is having a rough time readjusting the spotlight after coming back from his knee injury in Winning Time season 2, episode 2. Riley takes Magic under his wing, encouraging him to stop thinking altogether and focus on the urgent need for him to get back to being the superstar player he was before. The Foreigner song marks Magic’s reinvigorated mindset during the 1980-81 season.

“Lady (You Bring Me Up)” by The Commodores: Another popular 1981 release by The Commodores is featured in Winning Time season 2, episode 2. The funky soul song accompanies Jerry Buss as he approaches one of his former love interests Honey for the first time in over fifteen years. The upbeat song represents Jerry’s excitement in reconnecting with Honey and aligns with his dreamlike sensibilities that the same Honey that he glorified in his mind would still be interested in seeing him after all that time. The song fades to provide a romantic backdrop for their long-awaited flirtatious conversation.

“Rocking” by Brief Encounter: This 1981 disco song by Brief Encounter is featured after the Lakers’ Game 2 victory against the Houston Rockets during the first round of the 1981 NBA Playoffs. The song starts playing after the divided and tense Lakers team is finally able to find common ground during the series and continues into the private jet on the team’s flight home to Los Angeles. The song provides a celebratory atmosphere that would end up being a brief encounter before things heat up between Coach Paul Westhead and Pat Riley.

“In the Middle of Love” by HP Riot: This 1973 funk song by HP Riot plays toward the end of Winning Time season 2, episode 2 as Coach Westhead learns about Pat Riley’s potential betrayal. The feel-good song ironically plays over Westhead’s confrontation with Riley before they go to the back of the plane where Westhead accuses Riley of going behind his back to the press. The song’s lyrics allude to mixed signals and deception in love, with can be applied to Westhead’s confusion and feeling of being misled by Riley on a professional level.

“I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye: This 1970 classic by Marvin Gaye is perfectly utilized at the end of Winning Time season 2, episode 2 to highlight the rumors and deceptions that tore the 1980–81 Lakers apart. A major theme of the episode is second-hand sources and conflicting information behind the scenes of the Lakers’ locker room and front office. The closing song choice absolutely spot on thematically as well as sonically, seamlessly blending into the soulful soundtrack of Winning Time season 2.

Winning Time Season 2, Episode 3 “The Second Coming”

“No Man’s Land” by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band: This 1980 classic rock song by Bob Seger plays as the fictional Larry Bird drives through his hometown at the beginning of Winning Time season 2, episode 3. Larry is essentially from a “no man’s land” in French Lick, Indiana which had a population of roughly 2,000 people in 1974. The smooth, feel-good song has some country influences particularly in the acoustic guitar that drives the track as Larry goes to visit his father, embodying his nostalgic love for the rural roads of his youth.

“Double Dutch Bus” by Frankie Smith: This popular 1981 funk song also plays at the beginning of the episode following Larry Bird’s first flashback after he told his father he dropped out of Indiana University. This upbeat track provides the background music during the Lakers’ offseason when Magic Johnson and a few teammates lead a summer basketball camp for kids. The soul song features spoken word vocals from kids, which fits with the context of the summer camp and outspoken children in the scene.

“Get On Down” by Rokotto: This funky track from 1977 plays just before the 11-minute mark in Winning Time season 2, episode 3. In the seven, Jeanie arrives home for a traditional Buss family game night of Monopoly when she realizes her seat at the table has been taken by Jerry’s rekindled flame Honey. Jeanie and Honey awkwardly reunite as the bouncy dance song plays in the back, which initially highlighted a vibe of impending fun before Jeanie’s bubble gets burst, feeling slighted by her father when he rejects her advance to talk about business.

“Stumblin’ In” by Chris Norman & Suzi Quatro: This very notable pop 1980 song is featured in Winning Time season 2, episode 3 as Jerry Buss and Honey’s favorite love song. Jerry surprises Honey with an extravagant display of red roses to portray how much he has fallen for her again. Jerry tries to keep his dream alive of rekindling his flame with Honey and plays this vinyl record as he serenades and dances with his love interest. Honey gives in to Jerry’s charming efforts and the two dance to the sweet romance song.

“Got That Feeling” by Harry Krapsho: This funk/soul song appears when Larry Bird is playing pickup basketball in his hometown of French Lick, Indiana. The Harry Krapsho track projects the confidence and self-assuredness that Larry demonstrates through his impeccable skill on the basketball court. Even while playing for fun on a small court on. a summer day, Larry’s pure shooting show that he’s certainly got a special feeling from his love of the game, which Indiana State coach Bill Hodges notices and watches in admiration from his car.

“Hello There (Live)” by Cheap Trick: This live version of Cheap Trick’s popular rock song “Hello There” from 1977 plays as Larry Bird shows off his basketball skills at an Indiana State University practice while wearing blue jeans. Larry showed up unannounced and completely dominated on the court, hitting dozens of shots in a row in front of Coach Bill Hodges and the rest of the staff and team. In the scene, Larry makes quite the first impression practicing with the team that he would take all the way to the NCAA Championship game that season.

“Love Is All We Need” by Mike James Kirkland: This 1973 track briefly plays as Magic and Jerry talk about giving that star player a 25-year contract extension for $25 million. The two eat Mcdonald’s together as they discuss the terms of the deal, with Magic explaining that he wants to be a long-term Laker. Jerry asks for a full commitment from Magic while also keeping the details of the deal under wraps so it doesn’t ruffle any feathers from his teammates. Jerry tells Magic that he considers him family, making the song fitting to the scene.

“Who’ll Buy My Memories” by Willie Nelson: This slow-burn song from Willie Nelson plays as Larry Bird travels back home again already a legendary member of the Celtics after winning the NBA title in 1981. Larry walks into his childhood home wearing all his Celtics gear in the same spot he had told his father years before that he was planning on quitting basketball and dropping out of college. The somber lyrics in the song present a melancholic feel in the scene in which Larry reluctantly realizes there is nothing left for him in his beloved small town and his future would now be with the Celtics.

Winning Time Season 2, Episode 4 “The New World”

“Working In A Coalmine” by Devo: This 1981 cover of Lee Corsey’s original song plays at the beginning of the 1981 NBA Preseason. The memorable song plays in the first few minutes of Winning Time season 2, episode 4 when Coach Paul Westhead shows off a team photo of some of the Lakers in a classroom with him in front of a blackboard. The song offers a celebratory groove that implies that the episode will start to turn things around from the tension of the previous ones, but that turns out not to be the case.

“Flat Foot Sam” by T. V. Slim & His Heartbreakers: This classic from 1957 plays while Jeanie and Honey have a conversation one morning in Jerry’s kitchen. Jeanie hasn’t been very welcoming of Honey’s presence or interest in her father during Winning Time season 2, so when she is offered some advice about how to reconcile with Johnnie it is not taken to heart. The song plays in the background of the brief back-and-forth exchange as Jeanie walks off to work.

“King’s Special” by B.B. King: This soulful 1970 guitar track by the legendary B.B. King plays while the Lakers are getting demolished by the Nets in their second game of the 1981 season. It continues to play over a conversation that Magic has with Cookie over the phone about his dissatisfaction with Paul Westhead, who also talks to Kareem Abdul Jabbar about potentially getting fired in the montage. Nearly the entire 5-minute, 11-second track is played in the episode.

“How ‘Bout Us” by Champaign: Magic listens to this 1981 R&B pop song through his headphones after walking off the team bus after a game. Magic had caught Paul Westhead expressing to Pat Riley that he was tired of bending his will to appease Magic, who is largely disobedient and disapproving of Westhead’s offense. The slow-tempo song’s lyrics apply to the dynamic between Westhead and Magic in the episode, stating “No sense in draggin’ on past our needs/ Let’s don’t keep hanging it on”.

“Get a Job” by The Silhouettes: This 1973 pop song plays when Pat Riley comes into the Lakers offices with a neck brace on after being so stressed out at home about the team and the fact that Westhead won’t listen to him. The two have a meeting about their different philosophies about how to move forward with the team. The song’s title hints at the events soon to come for Westhead who will be looking for a new job after being fired from the Lakers.

“Apache” by The Sugerhill Gang: This iconic 1981 dance song from the Sugarhill Gang is mostly known for its significance in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It appears in Winning Time when Coach Westhead is getting cocky about the Lakers bouncing back from a 2-4 start to securing three straight victories. The song plays over a dance scene in which Paul rejoices, thinking he has regained job security.

“Love Sensation” by Loleatta Holloway: This 1980 R&B track by Loleatta Holloway plays toward the Winning Time season 2, episode 4 after the Lakers beat Jack McKinney’s Indiana Pacers. The team celebrates its fourth straight win as the season appears to be making a significant turn for the better. Jerry and Honey even share a dance over the powerful song which leads him to think of proposing to her in the next scene.

Winning Time Season 2, Episode 5 “The Hamburger Hamlet”

“Shadow Dancing” by Andy Gibb: The first song off the soundtrack in Winning Time season 2, episode 5 doesn’t arrive until well past halfway through the episode around the 26-minute mark. This slow-tempo disco pop song was originally released in 1978 by English-Austrailan pop star Andy Gibb. The song plays in Winning Time after Magic Johnson is booed by a home crowd of Lakers fans who believed he had betrayed head coach Paul Westhead and ultimately got him fired. The song plays in the background of a montage of criticism from Laker fans toward Magic even after a dazzling performance that led to a 20-point victory against the San Antonio Spurs.

“Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire: This enormously popular disco song from the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire plays around the 28-minute mark in Winning Time season 2, episode 5. In the scene, Jerry Buss and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are at a roller skating venue, which was a popular recreational activity back in the early 80s. Even Jerry’s newly engaged fiancée Honey is there with a friend. Everyone appears to be having a great time until Kareem gets real with Buss, calling him out among the disco balls and colorful lights that he was unhappy with the special treatment Magic was getting in front office decisions. He also points out that Magic’s $25 million deal would seem much less lucrative in a matter of years.

“Grease” by Frankie Valli: This classic track is a perfect ode to the slicked-back new mode of the Los Angeles Lakers under head coach Pat Riley, symbolizing the true arrival of a new era of Lakers leadership and dominance in the NBA. Pat Riley became iconized for his greased hair as he gradually became one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time, making this 1978 rock song poetically appropriate to the context of his fictional rise to the spotlight in Winning Time season 2, episode 5.

“Keep on Loving You” by REO Speedwagon: Another classic rock song appears at the end of Winning Time season 2, episode 5 as the Lakers advance to the 1982 NBA Finals. “Keep on Loving You” is one of the most popular songs to come out of the early 80s rock anthem movement and acts as a symbol of Jerry Buss’ continued commitment toward his Laker team and particularly Magic after their bumpy start to the 1981-82 season. The song plays the episode out as it lands on the ending point of nearly every other Winning Time season 2 episode, highlighting the Lakers’ hatred for the Boston Celtics and their fans.

Winning Time Season 2, Episode 6 “Beat L.A.”

“Let’s Dance” by David Bowie: One of David Bowie’s most famous songs, “Let’s Dance” plays right at the beginning of the cold open in Winning Time season 2, episode 6. The Lakers celebrate their second NBA Title in three seasons and first under head coach Pat Riley, marking the true beginning of their dynasty in their Showtime era. The team is seen celebrating in the locker room and hoisting up the coveted Larry O’Brien NBA Championship trophy with Riley and Jerry Buss, on top of the world once again.

“She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)” by Carl Carlton: This famous 1981 pop song plays in Winning Time season 2, episode 6 while introducing Norm Nixon’s future wife and talented choreographer/actress Debbie Allen. The dance track plays while Norm and Allen dance together at a nightclub in Los Angeles while a group of Norm’s Lakers teammates sit at a table and watch with envy. The themes of the song align with the scene’s focus on Allen’s allure and desirability while the Lakers also comment on Norm’s disappointing performance in the 1983 NBA Finals.

“For Once In My Life” by Nancy Wilson: This romantic classic from the 1960s has been covered by several prominent singers throughout history such as Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder. The version that appeared in Winning Time season 2, episode 6 is covered by Nancy Wilson, which is considered one of its earliest renditions. The song plays after Magic surprises Cookie and tries to win back her heart, which results in Cookie deciding to give Magic one final shot.

“Get in a Hurry” by Eugene Blacknell & The New Breed: This funky rock track from underground artist Eugene Blacknell appears at Norm’s birthday/farewell party in Winning Time season 2, episode 6. The title of the song aligns with the sudden nature in which Norm found out he was being traded from the Lakers to the Clippers where he would spend the rest of his career. Blacknell was a local legend in the San Francisco Bay Area who never released a full-length album.

“Won’t Be Fooled Again” by The Who: One of the most well-known classic rock songs of all time, “Won’t Be Fooled Again” appears in Winning Time season 2, episode 6 during an electrifying locker room pep talk from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Jabbar gives a powerful speech to his teammates about the Lakers’ unfinished business, inspiring a new wave of motivation that propels them to the 1984 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. The instantly recognizable 1971 track from The Who sets the tone for a momentous 1984 playoff run from the Lakers in one of the best on-court montages of the series.

“Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads: Another classic track plays at the end of Winning Time season 2, episode 6 which might have a loose connotation to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s mansion burning down earlier in the episode. The 1983 “Burning Down the House” ends the high-powered episode on a high note, setting the stage for the inevitable showdown between Magic’s Lakers and Bird’s Celtics in the 1984 NBA Finals.

Winning Time Season 2, Episode 7 “What Is and What Should Never Be”

“Hey! D.J.” by World’s Famous Supreme Team: This classic hip-hop song was released in 1984 as a single and was later released on the group’s 1986 album titled Rappin’. In Winning Time season 2, episode 7, Magic plays this song through his headphones which takes over the scene as the Lakers celebrate their Game 1 road victory against the Boston Celtics on their bus drive home. The song is considered one of the better hip-hop songs from the 1980s and captures Magic’s high energy and confidence after beating arch-rival Boston on their home court.

“Easy Lover” by Philip Bailey & Phil Collins: This classic collab from 1984 by Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind, & Fire and Phil Collins of Genesis was a No. 1 hit in the UK and Canada, spending 23 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song appears in Winning Time season 2, episode 7 during the first half of Game 3 of the 1984 NBA Finals as the Lakers cruise to a sustained lead, indicating that they had a handle on the outcome of the game. The song fades as the Celtics pick up the intensity and eventually come back to beat the Lakers, tying the series at 2-2.

“Fever” by Link Wray: This cover of the original R&B track by Little Willie John appears in Winning Time season 2, episode 7 as the Lakers prepare to fly back to Boston to get revenge on the Celtics in Game 5 of the 1984 NBA Finals. The game was notoriously incredibly hot, reaching indoor temperatures of 94 degrees while the Celtics and Lakers battled in the sweltering heat. The classic “Fever” track has been covered by several famous artists including Elvis Presley, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé. The song plays throughout the entire Game 5 sequence in which the Lakers ultimately lost.

“A Life of Illusion” by Joe Walsh: This popular single off Joe Walsh’s 1981 LP There Goes the Neighborhood plays in Winning Time season 2, episode 7 as Jerry Buss hides away in his LA mansion from a sea of news reporters outside his estate. Buss watches his life unfold on national television after his second wife Honey sues him for fraud after finding out he was still married to his first wife JoAnn Mueller. The song from the Eagles’ guitarist and solar artist aligns with the mystical nature of Los Angeles and the entertainment industry where everything can quickly seem like illusions and mirages.

“Holy Thursday” by David Axelrod: This progressive jazz-funk instrumental track from 1968 from American composer David Axelrod has been sampled by dozens of hip-hop artists before appearing in Winning Time season 2, episode 7. The song plays as Pat Riley offers words of wisdom and inspiration to a depleted Lakers locker room before the legendary Game 7 of the 1984 NBA Finals at the Boston Garden. The track creates a compelling montage that sets the stage for the long-awaited showdown between Magic and Larry Bird.

“What Is and What Should Never Be” by Led Zeppelin: This classic rock track by the incomparable Led Zeppelin was the second song on their 1968 album Led Zeppelin II and also inspired the title of the Winning Time season 2 finale episode. The song appears as the Lakers fight off a crowd of rowdy Boston fans and the Celtics celebrate their fifteenth NBA championship in franchise history. The Lakers rest in defeat knowing that they came up short again to the Celtics, a painful feeling that is felt by everyone in in the organization.

“Night And Day” by Fred Astaire: This famous Fred Astaire song from 1933 plays during the final scene of Winning Time season 2 when Jerry and Jeanie Buss take a moment to appreciate how far they have come since acquiring the Lakers in 1979. The Astaire song also played at the end of Winning Time season 1, episode 1 “The Swan” in a callback to the final scene in which Jerry shares a drink with himself at the center of the Forum court, laughing to himself and exclaiming “I own this!”. The Astaire tune plays again in the final scene with Jeanie, hinting at how the real-life Jerry Buss would eventually hand down the Lakers dynasty he helped build to his daughter Jeanie.

“Shadows of the Night” by Pat Benatar: The last song of Winning Time season 2 plays over the end-credits sequence that explains what happens to the Lakers dynasty following the events of the HBO series. The Pat Benatar song captures the energy of the early 1980s anthem rock movement from the unlikely singer and songwriter, highlighting the fact that one of the most celebrated rockstars of the era was a woman. This aligns with the progressive career of Jeanie Buss, who would become the first female controlling owner of any NBA team to guide the Lakers to an NBA Title in 2020. Based on the implication of the closing end credits, “Shadows of the Night” could very well be the last song featured in HBO’s Winning Time.