In 1979, businessman Jerry Buss stakes his fortune on the purchase of the NBA's lackluster Los Angeles Lakers; the team's coach, Jerry West, bristles at the prospect of drafting college phenom Earvin Johnson, who has been given the moniker "Magic."

After giving Coach West carte blanche with the Lakers roster, Buss attempts to charm Red Auerbach; Earvin's efforts to impress the women in his life fall flat; Claire's mandate to get creative brings conflict with Buss' daughter, Jeanie.

Leaving the Lakers to deal with the fallout of Coach West's shocking announcement, Buss travels to Las Vegas, and soon becomes entangled with a dangerous foe. Back in LA, Earvin finds himself alone in a new city, while former Laker Pat Riley seeks out a new place within the team.

While training in Palm Springs, the introduction of a new playing style threatens to further divide an already fractured Lakers franchise.

The Lakers prepare for the opening game against the Clippers; Kareem doubts his place on the team.

Tragedy strikes the Lakers coaching staff, adding to Buss' mounting list of professional, personal, and financial problems.