Touching Base on Head Coach’s Firing, Magic Johnson’s 42YO Feud Gets Dissected by the Cast of ‘Winning Time’

The 80s were a very tumultuous time for the NBA. With the era of Michael Jordan not expected to start for another few years, the Los Angeles Lakers dominated throughout the decade, winning over five NBA championships in the process. Led by Magic Johnson, the team adopted a style that came to be known as the ‘Showtime’ era. While they had their moments in court, they had their troubles behind the scenes as well.

‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ is an HBO show that shines a light on that particular period. Two of its cast members highlight a particular moment that may or may not have ensured the future of the team.

A Microsoft Article highlights about Magic Johnson & the tension that led to the firing of Lakers Head Coach Paul Westhead

‘How Magic Johnson’s shocking Lakers trade request led to Paul Westhead’s firing in 1981’ is an article that was recently written by Bryan Kalbrosky for Microsoft Start. It kicks off by taking the readers back to the 80s. Magic Johnson, a man who was destined to spend the entirety of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, had placed forward a request for a trade. The ripple effects caused by the same would ultimately lead to the firing of then-head coach Paul Westhead.

Johnson’s rookie season in 1980 was anything but unremarkable, which resulted in securing a NBA championship and the player’s selection as the NBA Finals MVP. Under the leadership of Westhead, however, things started to change. The article highlighted how “Winning Time” showed Westhead’s ascent from interim, permanent head coach. The unconventional offensive strategies that he would go on to propose would not appeal to Johnson and the rest of the Lakers.

The article described how the Lakers began the 1981 season with a 2-4 record and how the team’s chemistry had deteriorated. A ‘breaking point’ occurred when Johnson was playing a game against the Utah Jazz. Receiving a post-game lecture from Westhead, Magic finally declared his inner desire.

“I can’t play here anymore. I want to leave. I want to be traded. I can’t deal with it no more. I’ve got to go in and ask [Buss] to trade me.”

The trade was reported to be the second-most important one in the history of the league. Not because of how big a deal Johnson was in the 80s but because his trade request led to Paul Westhead being fired the very next day.

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Westhead’s departure gave the way for coach Pat Riley to assume the top position. Under his leadership, the leaders created a 50-21 record and won another championship.

Jason Segel and Adrien Brody share their opinions

Touching base on the mind-boggling event that occurred, the article featured quotes from two major actors from the ‘Winning Time’ series.

Jason Segel, the actor who portrays Paul Westhead in the show, described his character as being someone who “probably didn’t belong to be in this position in the first place trying to hold the ring of power and just not being able to do it”. According to Segel, it all was a matter of pride.

Hollywood Actor Adrien Brody portrays the role of Westhead’s replacement: Adrien Brody. Touching base on the deteriorating relationship between the two coaches over differing opinions, Brody offers his own opinion on what happened.

The actor states that the rift between his character and the former Lakers coach was caused in an effort to “save himself and Magic and help everyone live up to their potential”.

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Magic Johnson’s frustration helped to set in motion a butterfly effect. An effect that changes the course of Lakers history. Through “Winning Time”, fans get to experience the tension that dominated that particular moment.