Showtime Lakers
The fast-breaking, celebrity-studded dynasty that defined Lakers basketball from 1979 to 1991.
Showtime was an era in Los Angeles Lakers history from 1979–80 to 1990–91, during which the team became known for an up-tempo, run-and-gun style of play and a Hollywood-celebrity following at The Forum. Built around Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and later James Worthy, the Lakers relied on fast breaks, Johnson's passing, Abdul-Jabbar's half-court scoring, and a deep supporting cast that included Michael Cooper, Byron Scott, Kurt Rambis, A.C. Green, Jamaal Wilkes, Mychal Thompson, Norm Nixon and Bob McAdoo.
- Era
- Late 1970s–Late 1980s
- Key Figure
- Earvin 'Magic' Johnson Jr.
- Head Coach
- Pat Riley
- Championships Won
- Five NBA Titles
- Home Arena
- The Forum (Great Western Forum)
- Playing Style
- Fast-break offense
- Primary Rivalry
- Boston Celtics
Lore & Background
The era began after Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers in 1979 and sought to combine winning basketball with the atmosphere of Los Angeles entertainment. Buss encouraged an up-tempo style, hired dancers and a live band for home games, and cultivated a celebrity courtside following. Under head coaches Jack McKinney, Paul Westhead, and especially Pat Riley, the Lakers developed one of the NBA's defining dynasties of the 1980s. During the Showtime era, the Lakers won five NBA championships, reached the NBA Finals nine times, and renewed their rivalry with the Boston Celtics, defeating them in the 1985 and 1987 NBA Finals. The era is commonly considered to have ended after the Lakers lost the 1991 NBA Finals to the Chicago Bulls and Johnson retired following his announcement that he had tested positive for HIV.
In Their Own Story
The lights dimmed over Inglewood as the crowd hushed in anticipation. Magic Johnson dribbled up the court, eyes scanning the defense with calm precision. He spotted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar cutting toward the basket and fired a pass that seemed to defy physics. The arena erupted in a roar that shook the concrete floorboards. For thirty seconds, it was pure magic—a fast break turned into a highlight reel before anyone could blink.
Reader's Guide
The Showtime era began in the 1979–80 season, not the late 1970s. Pat Riley was not head coach for the entire era; he took over in 1981–82, replacing Paul Westhead. The five championships were won in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988, spanning nine years (1980 to 1988), not an eight-year span.
Did You Know?
- The term 'Showtime' was coined by legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn to describe the team's fast-paced, entertaining style of play.
- The Lakers played their home games at The Forum, which billed itself as 'the modern version of the greater Colosseum of ancient Rome'.
- Actor Jack Nicholson was considered the Lakers' most well-known celebrity fan, often seen sitting courtside in his sunglasses.
- Pat Riley guaranteed the Lakers would win the championship again in 1988 after the 1987 Finals, a bold promise that was fulfilled.
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