From Publishers Weekly
Lazenby ( The NBA Finals ) opens with Magic Johnson's HIV diagnosis, and leapfrogs to profile general manager Jerry West, who joined the Lakers as a rookie player in 1960. Then Lazenby settles down to a history of this glamour basketball team of the '80s, a story he tells in some chronological order, interrupting for chapters about Magic's decisions to retire, to play again and to retire again. Lazenby offers insights into such stars as George Mikan, Elgin Baylor and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,coach Pat Riley and owners like the controversial Jack Kent Cooke, who owned the Lakers from '65 to '79, and their stormy relations with the players. The author is clearly well informed and Laker fans will probably love his book, but for those less in the know, the lack of continuity will be confusing. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the second most successful franchise in the National Basketball Association, and their success has spanned the league's history. There were championships in the 1950s as the Minneapolis Lakers, near misses in the 1960s, a couple of titles in the 1970s, and, of course, the glorious 1980s when, led by Magic Johnson, the Lakers piled up five crowns. Lazenby focuses on the Magic years but flashes back to parallel situations from the past. There is very little new information here, but the author does offer an insightful long-term view of a sport in which teams are often judged on only this season, this series, or even this game. Current general manager Jerry West kept the Lakers at or near the top through the 1980s with a series of shrewd moves in which the key element was not only on-court talent but off-court attitude. Laker fans will devour this volume, but anyone with even a passing interest in the NBA will find it fascinating.
Wes Lukowsky
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
