NBA: Revisiting the 'Showtime'
Everyone often asks why the Lakers of the 1980’s are called “Showtime”. Still do not know?
“Showtime” was an era lasting 12 years from 1979 to 1991 where an up-tempo exciting run-and-gun offensive style was adopted up the Los Angeles Lakers. They were led primarily by 3 time NBA league MVP Magic Johnson and leading scorer in the history of the NBA Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
thee trio of head coach Pat Riley (left), Kareem Abdul Jabbar (middle) and Magic Johnson (right) played key roles in 4 of 5 Lakers titles during the Showtime era
The most important component of Showtime was the Lakers’ fast break. In a typical sequence, rebounders such as Kareem, Kurt Rambis, and A.C Green would quickly release an outlet pass to Johnson, who would race down the court and distribute the ball to players such as James Worthy, Byron Scott, and Michael Cooper for a finishing layup or a slam. Often times, Johnson would rebound the ball and drive the ball up court himself on a fast break. He would sometimes deliver the ball to teammates with a no-look pass.
The Beginning:
How did it all start?
When Dr. Jerry Buss took over the ownership of the franchise in 1979, he wanted the Lakers game to be entertaining. In his opinion, a theatrical atmosphere along with a running game would excite the fans and strengthen the Lakers’ home court advantage.
The Lakers home floor “The Forum” turned into one of the most exciting places in Hollywood with stars all across the building, NBA stars on the floor and Hollywood celebrities in the stands. Being a fan of college games Jerry Buss ordered the formation of the Laker girls and a 10 piece band of musicians.
That was what ShowTime was all about off the court; let’s now talk about on the court.
Ups and Downs (1979-1983):
Lakers entered the 1979 season drafting Magic Johnson as 1st overall pick in that year’s draft. Magic was excited about playing with Lakers 7 foot 2 inches center Kareem Abdul Jabbar. His draft had paved the way for a dynasty that led to the Lakers dominating the NBA in the 80’s.
NBA All Star starter, All NBA Rookie first team, NBA title along with the NBA finals MVP award in the 1980 Finals against the Julius Erving led Philadelphia 76ers. Yes these are the awards that Magic Johnson won in his rookie season in the NBA.
Impressive seems a small word, doesn’t it?
During Magic Johnson’s rookie season Kareem won the league MVP award and it was official, the Lakers were now a dominant consistent title contender behind their two superstars.
However the sweet taste of victory did not last long. The Lakers lost in the first round of the Playoffs against the Houston Rockets 2-1 in the following season, a season where Magic missed 45 games due to torn cartilage in his left knee.
In 1981, Pat Riley was promoted from assistant coach to head coach and in his first year he bought the jewelry back to Los Angeles. Lakers beat Philadelphia in 6 games to win their second title in three years. Magic, averaging a double double in the Finals series, was once again named NBA Finals MVP.
In the following year Lakers made it to the Finals once again and despite Magic’s great performance, he could not stop Moses Malone and Julius Erving to leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the title with a sweep.
Battles with the Celtics (1983-1987):
This four year period saw these two most storied franchises grind it out in three NBA Finals series. Lakers lead 2-1 in the head-to-head as they defeated the Celtics twice in six games and the sole game 7 series came in a loss in the 1984 Finals.
Magic describes the 1984 Finals as “the one championship we should have had but didn’t get”. Magic once again averaged a double double in points and assists as the Lakers lost to the Celtics in 7 games increasing their losing tally in the Finals to 8 against the Celtics.
The Lakers stayed focused and under the leadership and talent of their two superstars made it to a consecutive Finals appearance against the Celtics. After a blowout loss in Game 1, Kareem took over in a commanding double double in game 2 and scored 36 points in Game 5 as the Lakers beat the Celtics for the first time in the history of their storied rivalry. Kareem, aged 38 then, was named NBA Finals MVP.
Kareem and Magic both agreed that this Finals series win is the highlight of their careers.
A strong 1985-86 regular season, led to many speculating a fourth consecutive appearance in the Finals for the Lakers. As they advanced to the Conference Finals, nobody expected an upset by the Houston Rockets in 5 games.
In the 1986-87 season the two franchises were back to battle each other in June for the title. En route to the Finals, Magic had earned his first ever league MVP award while averaging a double double in points and assists for the fifth consecutive time. They beat the Celtics that year in 6 games as this series became famous for Magic Johnson “junior, junior, junior skyhook” in Game 4 over Celtics big men Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.
Magic Johnson earned his third NBA Finals MVP award to cap of a wonderful season for him and the Lakers franchise.
Repeat and Defeat (1987-1991):-
As Kareem was entering his final two years before his retirement, head coach Pat Riley announced publicly at their championship rally that they would repeat in the 1987-88 season.
Surviving close series’ 4-3 against the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks the Lakers made it to the Finals to face the “Bad Boys” from Detroit Pistons known for their physical type of play. After the two teams split the first six games, the Lakers 1982 Draft pick and Finals MVP James Worthy came up big in game 7 with triple double effort to lead the Lakers to their 5th title of the decade.
Although they did not win the Finals MVP award, Magic and Kareem were huge and extremely instrumental in their successful quest to repeat.
In Kareem’s final season the Lakers made their way to the Finals to complete the first ever three-peat by any team since the Celtics of the 60’s. Their hopes were high after a spectacular season by Magic earned him his second league MVP award, however in a repeat of the previous year’s Finals matchup Lakers lost Magic Johnson to a hamstring injury and were eventually swept in the Finals by the Detroit Finals.
With Kareem’s retirement, Magic led the Lakers to a Finals appearance in 1991 against Michael Jordan led Chicago Bulls, after losing to the Phoenix Suns in the 1990 Playoffs Conference Semis.
The curtains officially came down on “Showtime” when the Bulls dominated and eventually beat the Lakers 4-1.
The “Showtime” was an era of a dynasty consisting of numerous Hall of Famers that lifted the NBA title 5 times out of 9 attempts.
It was not just an era; it was the pride of Los Angeles.