Game Changer: Lakers Trade Rumors Unveiled in Winning Time Season 2

Summary

Winning Time portrays the trade negotiations between Norm Nixon and David Thompson, showcasing the genuine factors that influenced these discussions. Lakers General Manager Jerry West and Assistant Coach Pat Riley played significant roles in shaping these real-life considerations.

The trade talks failed to progress into official negotiations with Thompson's team as the Head Coach, Paul Westhead, rejected the trade and asserted authority over the team's coaching approach.

Following his departure from the Lakers, Nixon joined the Los Angeles Clippers, where he emerged as one of their top scorers, earning a position in the NBA All-Star team before his career was plagued by injuries and cut short.

In HBO's Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty, the focus is on the trade negotiations involving star point guard Norm Nixon, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes dealings. Season 2 of Winning Time explores the 1980-81 Los Angeles Lakers' journey from NBA champions to a fractured locker room and front office, particularly in the first two episodes. One of the main factors contributing to the team's decline was the potential trade rumors involving Nixon and another NBA superstar guard, David Thompson. Thompson, who was at the peak of his career during that season, faced challenges with substance addiction and injury, which eventually led to his departure from the NBA.

The depiction of the Nixon-Thompson trade discussions in episode 2 of Winning Time's second season is grounded in real-life considerations made by Lakers General Manager Jerry West and Assistant Coach Pat Riley. West anticipated that Head Coach Paul Westhead would fully support the idea of trading for Nixon when Magic Johnson returned from his knee injury, which had kept him off the court for 45 games during the 1980-81 NBA season. However, Westhead did not share West's enthusiasm, resulting in the Nixon-Thompson trade talks never progressing to official negotiations with the Denver Nuggets, Thompson's team at the time.

Why The Lakers Killed Winning Time's Norm Nixon-David Thompson Trade In Real Life

The decision to trade Nixon for Thompson was influenced by NBA rumors surrounding the Showtime Lakers in 1981. In the documentary Winning Time, Paul Westhead initially opposed the trade due to concerns about adding another talented but egotistical player like Magic Johnson to a team that was already experiencing discord. Reluctantly agreeing to the trade, Westhead eventually vetoed it as he felt his control over the team slipping away. This allowed him to assert his authority and assert his coaching style, particularly his unconventional half-court offensive system.

The failed Nixon-Thompson deal likely had more to do with Thompson's personal issues than the Lakers' decision. Thompson, who had been one of the most dominant offensive players in the late 1970s, suffered a critical knee injury during the 1980 NBA season, the same year the Lakers unexpectedly won the NBA title portrayed in Winning Time season 1. His substance abuse problems, which had worsened during his injury, greatly affected his performance. It is possible that the Lakers became aware of this and ultimately chose to keep Nixon, who was considered a valuable asset.

Jerry West's Plan To Trade Away Norm Nixon Finally Happens Before The NBA's 1983-84 Season

Nixon was ultimately traded from the Lakers to the Los Angeles Clippers before the 1983-84 NBA season. This trade, orchestrated by Jerry West, involved Nixon and Eddie Jordan being traded for Byron Scott and Swen Nater. However, this move was met with great dissatisfaction among Lakers fans. Nixon had played a crucial role in helping the Lakers win their second NBA Championship in two years by the end of the 1982 season, solidifying his status as an iconic figure of the franchise. He even led the Lakers in scoring during the 1982 NBA Finals, giving the impression that he would remain with the team for the rest of his career.

In spite of the overwhelming support from fans, it was evident that Jerry West held personal resentment towards Nixon, as observed by other members of the Lakers organization. West had coached Nixon from 1976 to 1979 before transitioning to the role of General Manager, creating a history between the two prior to Magic Johnson's arrival in 1979. It is reported that West did not appreciate Nixon's perceived "pretty boy" attitude, resulting in him being harsher on Nixon compared to other players. Despite this, West still considered Nixon as one of his favorite players, but there were rumors that West hired a private investigator to fabricate claims of Nixon's drug use. This suggests that West had a personal agenda to remove Nixon from the Lakers organization (via The Sporting News).

What Happens To Norm Nixon After Leaving The Lakers

Through his harsh treatment of Nixon, West successfully achieved his desired outcome and traded the former star Laker to the Clippers in 1983. Despite this unfavorable shift, Nixon demonstrated his worth to his new team by consistently playing in almost every game during his first two seasons and becoming one of the Clippers' top scorers, averaging around 17 points per game. Furthermore, Nixon's impressive performance led to him being named an NBA All-Star in 1984-85. However, unfortunate injuries ultimately halted his NBA career. Nixon's tenure with the Clippers concluded in 1989, while Byron Scott admirably filled the void left by Nixon on the Lakers and played a pivotal role in winning NBA titles with the team in 1985, 1987, and 1988, thereby establishing himself as a esteemed Lakers icon. The tension between Nixon and West is anticipated to resurface during season 2 of Winning Time.

Source: The Sporting News