Magic Johnson Got Accused of Being a “Spoiled Brat” After Seemingly Costing an ‘Insecure’ Coach His Lakers Career in 1981

The Los Angeles Lakers and their legacy in the NBA was created in the 80s when coach Pat Riley held the reins of the Purple and Gold. Although Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were integral to the success of the Lakers, the tide changed when the previous coach was fired. At the time, the Lakers’ players and front-office were extremely frustrated with the person in question. However, the timing was a little unfortunate for Magic Johnson as the firing happened just after he publicly criticized the then-coach, Paul Westhead.

Paul Westhead was criticized heavily and let go by the LA side in 1981. Subsequently, they appointed Pat Riley as his replacement. Coincidentally, Magic Johnson let his concerns be known to the media just before Westhead was fired.

Magic Johnson was criticized heavily for criticizing Paul Westhead before he was fired

The Lakers’ front-office realized the problem with Paul Westhead’s approach towards the Purple and Gold. According to a report from the Washington Post in 1981, Westhead had become too rigid with his tactics and was ignorant of all advice.

It got unbearable for players to a point that Magic Johnson decided to criticize Westhead publicly. His outburst wasn’t taken kindly by the media from the East, as he was called a “spoiled brat” speaking from the cushion of a $25 Million deal that he had just signed.

Many assumed that his words led to the firing of Westhead. However, Bob Steiner, the PR head at the forum cleared it all.

“Apparently he [Westhead] was very sensitive and, I guess, insecure,” said Steiner. He further added,” It had been decided on Sunday (four days before the firing) to let him go, but Jerry (Buss, the owner) hesitated for one of the few times in his life. He had made up his mind, but he was going to wait until the team got back from its trip. It’s just unfortunate that Magic made his statements when he did because then he became the fall guy.”

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Whatever happened at the time, the criticism slowed down pretty swiftly. As Pat Riley and Magic Johnson went to work instantaneously. Under Riley’s guidance, the team went on to win four Championships.

Pat Riley’s incredible ways to maintain discipline in the Champion Lakers squad

Riley was a man who encouraged incredible discipline, the legendary coach went out of his way to motivate the players. Which sometimes even led to a tussle with them.

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However, at one point his rules for the Lakers were quite different. In the latest documentary, They call me Magic, Johnson’s wife, Cookie revealed that Riley had banned players’ wives from being on the road with them. If the players failed to adhere to the rule, they were fined heavily.