Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, And The Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty Of The 1980s (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
ARC provided by LibraryThing early reviewsDuring the 1980’s the sports world was dominated by one team: The Los Angeles Lakers. Led by number one pick Earvin “Magic” Johnson, featuring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and led by slicked-back hair, Armani suit strutting Pat Reily, the team played in nine NBA championship series over eleven years winning five of them. The Lakers became known for their “showtime” style of play and entertaining millions across the globe. While there are countless other books on the Lakers, including this era, Jeff Peralman’s abilities as a writer make this a standout one. He does an impeccable job of drawing from over three hundred interviews to bring the the 80’s era Lakers to life, from their rise, to its sudden end with Magic Johnson’s announcement that he had contracted HIV. From these interviews he pieces together a story that flows smoothly, brings history to life, and is entertaining to read...its a talent that not many other writers have. More than that though, Pearlman exposes everything and removes the blinders that so many other writers have to the Lakers dynasty, discussing Kareem growing old, Riley wearing out his welcome, the drugs, the women, everything is laid bare.If you’re a fan of the NBA, of the Lakers, or of any of the people with the showtime team this is a must have book. You won’t go wrong with picking it up. I give it four out of five stars. Growing up, I couldn't stand the "showtime" Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s. Hated em. Now that I live in L.A., my dislike for the Lakers has increased tenfold as I am bombarded by the spoiled purple and gold wearing fans all over the city. But, my distaste for the Lakers doesn't detract from the fact that I found this book by Jeff Pearlman highly entertaining. I did find myself rooting against the Lakers even though I knew they were going to come out victorious. Full of all the mainstay players and all kinds of hilarious stories about some of the eccentric Lakers, SHOWTIME delves into all the details of not only the games but the non-stop sex, drugs and mayhem that was connected to the Lakers from the period.
What do You think about Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, And The Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty Of The 1980s (2014)?
There is nothing I like more than reading about the Lakers of the eighties.
—Sue
Well researched book. Would be 5 stars if I were a real layers fan.
—rick
