The Inside Story Of The Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers In The Words Of Those

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of one of the most iconic basketball teams in history? The Los Angeles Lakers have been a powerhouse in the NBA for decades, and their success is not just limited to the court. In this article, we will dive deep into the inside story of the Lakers, as told by those who have been a part of the organization.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Los Angeles Lakers have always been synonymous with excellence. From the 1980s Showtime era led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal dynasty of the early 2000s, the Lakers have consistently found a way to dominate the competition.

One of the reasons for the Lakers' success is their commitment to building a winning culture. Many players and coaches have spoken about the high standards that are expected when you wear the purple and gold. Phil Jackson, who coached the Lakers to five championships, once said, "There is no shortcut to greatness. It takes hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence."

The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers in the Words of Those Who Lived It

by Roland Lazenby(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4944 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	480 pages
Paperback	:	281 pages
Item Weight	:	12.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.92 x 0.64 x 7.48 inches

FREE

Behind Closed Doors

While the Lakers' success on the court is well-documented, there is so much that happens behind closed doors that fans rarely get to see. From intense practices to heated team meetings, the inner workings of the Lakers organization are what truly set them apart.

Former Lakers player Lamar Odom once revealed, "When you're a Laker, there's a certain level of intensity that is expected from you. It's not just about the games; it's about what you do every single day. Whether it's in practice or in the weight room, you have to bring your A-game."

Furthermore, the Lakers have always been known for their family-like atmosphere. Many players have spoken about the camaraderie and brotherhood that exists within the team. Legendary Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said, "When you become a Laker, you become part of a special family. We support each other on and off the court, and that's what has made this organization so successful."

The Magic of Showtime

One era that truly stands out in Lakers history is the Showtime era of the 1980s. Led by Magic Johnson, the Lakers played a fast-paced, high-flying style of basketball that took the league by storm.

In an interview, Magic Johnson recalled, "We knew we had something special with our style of play. We loved to entertain the fans, and winning championships while doing so was the ultimate goal. We were like a well-oiled machine, and it was incredible to be a part of that."

Legendary Lakers coach Pat Riley described the Showtime Lakers as a "basketball symphony," saying, "They played with so much flair and executed the game plan to perfection. Watching them play was like watching a work of art."

The Mamba Mentality

No discussion about the Los Angeles Lakers would be complete without mentioning Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba, as he was affectionately known, left an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport of basketball as a whole.

Bryant's work ethic and determination were unparalleled. He once said, "I can't relate to lazy people. We don't speak the same language. I don't understand you. I don't want to understand you."

Former Lakers teammate Derek Fisher said, "Kobe would push us to our limits and beyond. He didn't settle for anything less than greatness, and that mentality rubbed off on everyone in the organization."

Looking Ahead

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. With LeBron James now leading the charge, the team is poised for another era of success.

Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who won five championships with the team, believes that the Lakers' winning culture will never fade. He said, "The Lakers have a rich history of success, and that is something that will always attract top talent. As long as they maintain that winning mindset, the future looks bright."

So, the next time you watch a Lakers game, remember that there is much more to this team than what happens on the court. The inside story, as told by those who have experienced it firsthand, is what truly makes the Los Angeles Lakers one of the most spectacular franchises in sports history.

The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers in the Words of Those Who Lived It

by Roland Lazenby(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4944 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	480 pages
Paperback	:	281 pages
Item Weight	:	12.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.92 x 0.64 x 7.48 inches

FREE

The first definitive oral history of the ever popular L.A. Lakers

The L.A. Lakers have long been one of the NBA's most exciting teams. In The Show, critically acclaimed sportswriter Roland Lazenby brings the story of this charismatic team to life in an unprecedented oral history, featuring such legendary players as Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul- Jabbar, and Magic Johnson, along with current stars like Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.

Through in-depth interviews with players, coaches, and many other key figures, Lazenby follows the Lakers from their birthplace in 1946 Minneapolis to their eventual successes and failures in Los Angeles, using his flair for storytelling and eye for detail to show you exactly why the 14-time NBA champion Lakers are a celebrated favorite for sports fans all over America.