From 1979 to 1991, the Los Angeles Lakers would become a dominant force in the world of professional basketball and in American culture more broadly. Led by coach Pat Riley and star players Earvin “Magic†Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the “Showtime†era of the Lakers is still, in many ways, the standard by which other sports dynasties are measured today. On the court, in the locker room, and beyond, the legendary Lakers franchise was both a reflection and a driver of a culture, a sport, and a country undergoing seismic changes, and the HBO dramatized series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty tells the story of the the larger-than-life personalities and politics that defined the Showtime era.
This week on Edge of Sports, host Dave Zirin speaks with actor Solomon Hughes about Winning Time, which is debuting its second season on August 6, and about stepping into the role of playing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar himself. Later in this episode, Zirin shares some choice words on the Oakland A’s and Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred; then, in “Ask a Sports Scholar,†we talk with Amira Rose Davis, assistant professor in the Department of African and African Diaspora Studies at the University of Texas-Austin, about her forthcoming book “Can’t Eat a Medalâ€: The Lives and Labors of Black Women Athletes in the Age of Jim Crow.
Studio Production: David Hebden, Cameron Granadino
Post-Production: David Hebden
Opening Sequence: Cameron Granadino
Music by: Eze Jackson & Carlos Guillen
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** (Disclaimer: This video content is intended for educational and informational purposes only) **
As an Afrikan Woman athlete, I love the interview w/ Dr Amira Rose Davis! And I notice her puppy stays asleep during her interview!
I love this show!
Any small part of Kareem is what we all aspire to achieve. I was born bread in Los Angeles. I was in my late teens too late 20s. For all Kareem's Fame in basketball he always inspired me intellectually. If I could have the fantasy dinner to invite 12 people, anyone dead or alive Kareem would be on my list, along with Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Carl Sagan, Joseph Campbell, well you get the idea. My best to you and your loved ones.
Jabbar was proficient in all aspects of basketball, besides his awesome physique, longevity and crazy Skyhook. I think Jordan was the only player better.
Holy smokes Dave Zirin! What a pleasant surprise!! Looking forward to these conversations!
We all have a small part in preaching good, keep up the good work. We are lost voices in the world of greed.
PLAY?? The SKYHOOK was indefensible. And this Blackman has been disrespected….
Ty for sharing 👠💯