Did THAT Magic Johnson Bombshell Really Happen?

Did THAT Magic Johnson Bombshell Really Happen?

Abstract

  • Profitable Time episode 4 “The New World” stays true to the supply materials with few artistic leaps, specializing in the tensions between Coach Westhead and Magic Johnson.
  • Magic’s $25 million contract extension precipitated jealousy and friction amongst his teammates, who had been uncomfortable along with his famous person standing.
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar thought-about leaving the Lakers in 1981 because of considerations about Magic’s particular remedy and its affect on group unity.

The most recent episode of Profitable Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty chronicles the rising tensions between Coach Paul Westhead and star participant Magic Johnson till their dispute turns into irreconcilable. The celebrated HBO collection has been selective about what it chooses to show as real-life reality and what character and plot developments are stretched and dramatized for the sake of leisure. As an entire, Profitable Time episode 4 “The New World” stays fairly near the supply materials regardless of together with a number of artistic leaps, which often must do with how data is revealed through the pestering Los Angeles press within the early Eighties.

Whereas Profitable Time season 2, episode 3 took a break within the Lakers Showtime motion to dive into the backstory of the legendary Boston Celtic Larry Hen, season 2, episode 4 begins proper at first of the 1981 NBA season through which the rivalry between Buss’ Lakers and Auerbach’s Celtics reaches new ranges of depth. With each groups contemporary off an NBA Championship, the 1981-82 season would show to be a definitive assertion in regards to the state of the top {of professional} basketball, particularly with Magic and Larry Hen discovering their strides after their rookie and sophomore seasons. However first, there may be the matter of Magic’s largest impediment, the classroom-style of teaching from Paul Westhead.

RELATED: What Occurred To Jeanie Buss After Profitable Time: Jerry’s Daughter & Actual Lakers Successor Defined


Pink Auerbach Did Not Leak Magic’s $25 Million Deal To The Press

Celtics President Pink Auerbach is depicted in Profitable Time season 2, episode 4 operating off to inform the press about Magic Johnson’s $25 million cope with the Lakers after a short dialog with Jerry Buss rubs him the flawed approach. Whereas Auerbach was really in command of the Gamers Affiliation and even had authority in approving the distinctive contract, he was not so petty in actual life to leak the information to the press out of spite as a way to stir issues up within the already fragile Lakers locker room. In actuality, Jerry Buss made the announcement of Magic’s 25-year contract extension earlier than the 1981 season. Having Auerbach be the rationale for the leaked data Profitable Time is barely a story gadget to extend the dangerous blood between the 2 historic franchises.

Magic’s Teammates Have been Truly Jealous About His Huge Contract

Norm Nixon in Winning Time season 2, episode 4

As soon as information did get away about Magic Johnson’s $25 million contract extension, many if not all of his teammates turned much more jealous and standoffish towards Magic. The 1980-81 Lakers had already grown tense about Magic’s famous person celeb standing and commercial offers after his rookie season, particularly with practically all of his teammates being a lot older than he was notably Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The announcement of the huge contract extension from Buss made Magic’s teammates extra uncomfortable across the famous person who was on observe to be their chief on the court docket however was inflicting palpable friction behind the scenes.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Practically Left The Lakers In 1981

Kareem in Winning Time season 2, episode 4

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was really taking a look at going to a different NBA group at first of the 1981-82 season. The seasoned veteran was completely targeted on the sport of basketball and was additionally a part of the Lakers squad that considered Magic’s highlight as an total distraction. Jabbar was on the verge of asking for a commerce after listening to about Magic’s profitable contract extension, setting his sights on one other formidable group such because the New York Knicks the place true basketball was valued. Kareem was not notably upset with Magic for the particular remedy however ascribed to the philosophy that the unique remedy of 1 participant would disrupt the unity and connection of the complete group. Kareem’s points had been by no means private however extra about his potential to maintain profitable NBA Championships, which he was not sure of on the time.

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The Lakers Began Their 1981-82 Season Profitable 2 Of 6 Video games

Jerry Buss in Winning Time season 2, episode 4

The Lakers really did begin their 1981-82 season at 2-4 earlier than profitable 4 straight video games by way of the clench of their tooth. The dysfunctional Showtime Lakers misplaced their residence opener by a single level to the Houston Rockets, which featured NBA Corridor of Famer Moses Malone, earlier than shedding once more on the highway to the Portland Trailblazers, sinking to 0-2. Jerry Buss was not explicitly fearful in regards to the sluggish begin to the NBA season, believing within the roster he had selected. Paul Westhead considered the shortage of profitable on account of disobedience from his offensive system, notably from Magic Johnson. As soon as the Lakers reached a low level of 2-6, Westhead started to really feel to strain of the recent seat, however a four-game profitable streak would quickly alleviate these anxieties.

Jerry Tarkanian’s Good friend Was Truly Killed By A Las Vegas Mob

The mysterious story of Jerry Tarkanian is introduced up once more in Profitable Time season 2, episode 4 after that includes the coach in a number of episodes of season 1. Jerry Buss had been on the lookout for a brand new head coach for the Lakers throughout the 1978-80 seasons and had set his sights on Jerry Tarkanian, who was an achieved coach on the College of Nevada, Las Vegas. As Paul Westhead begins to spiral into his personal self-importance and paranoia in Profitable Time season 2, episode 4, he brings up the truth that he doubtless would by no means have gained an NBA Championship if Coach McKinney hadn’t gotten in a motorcycle accident and if Tarakanian’s pal hadn’t been killed and thrown right into a trunk in an alleged mob hit because of monetary debt.

RELATED: Profitable Time Season 2: What Occurred To Larry Hen’s Father & His School Profession Defined

Pat Riley Was So Harassed About The Lakers He Wore A Neck Brace

Pat Riley in Winning Time season 2 episode 4

Pat Riley really began carrying a neck brace after the Lakers’ 1980-81 season as a result of he was so stressed in regards to the path of the group. Riley is depicted as being careworn from his tensions with Coach Paul Westhead, which may have actually performed a component in his harm. Nonetheless, the real-life Riley really began to put on the brace after the collapse of the Lakers playoff run on the finish of the earlier season. Whereas solely a minor stretch, Profitable Time implies that Riley’s use of the neck brace was primarily due to his difficulties working with Westhead, when in actuality it was a extra cohesive response to his dedication and concern for the Lakers at giant.

Magic Requested A Commerce Over Disagreements With Paul Westhead

Magic Johnson in Winning Time season 2 episode 4

The largest twist of Profitable Time season 2, episode 4 is when Magic Johnson requested a commerce from the Lakers seemingly on a whim after an enormous win over the Utah Jazz. He advised the press that he could not play for the Lakers any extra regardless of their latest win streak and indications that the group was lastly discovering its footing within the 1981-82 season. Magic actually pulled his card along with his direct line to Jerry Buss and flexed his particular privilege, which is strictly what Paul, Kareem, and different Lakers gamers had been involved about. Whereas Magic was inside his means to finally get Paul Westhead axed, it was an indication of his lack of cooperation to be a group participant. The remainder of Profitable Time season 2 will definitely chronicle the transition of energy from Westhead to assistant coach Pat Riley.

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