Unraveling the Untold Truth: Behind the Scenes of Winning Time Season 2 Episode 3

Summary

Larry Bird dropped out of Indiana University in 1974 and became a trash collector in his hometown before joining the Indiana State basketball team.

In 1981, Magic Johnson showcased his commitment to the Lakers and owner Jerry Buss by signing a remarkable contract extension worth $25 million.

The passing of Larry Bird's father, Joe Bird, in 1975 had a profound and enduring effect on Bird and his family. Prior to joining the Boston Celtics and becoming the highest-paid NBA rookie, Bird's family had encountered financial challenges.

HBO's Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty delves deeply into the backstory of Larry Bird, the greatest rival of Magic Johnson in the NBA, in the third episode of its second season. After witnessing Bird's Boston Celtics win the NBA Championship in 1981, just a year after Magic and the Showtime Lakers achieved the same in 1980, Magic takes advantage of the off-season to negotiate a contract extension and mend relations with his teammate, Norm Nixon. Meanwhile, the divided Lakers front office grapples with how to approach the upcoming 1981-82 season with a chance at another NBA Championship.

The Lakers' internal struggles shown in Winning Time season 2, episode 2 appear to reach a resolution with the arrival of Mitch Kupchak, a topic that receives considerable attention in episode 3 titled "The Second Coming." This title alludes to Larry Bird, who had earned the nickname "the basketball Jesus" among many Boston fans. The episode showcases Bird's remarkable skills through flashback sequences, highlighting the personal difficulties and tragedies he faced before emerging on the Indiana State basketball court, donning his iconic blue jeans. While Winning Time primarily focuses on the Lakers, season 2, episode 3 pays homage to the team's fiercest competitor.

Larry Bird Dropped Out Of Indiana University In 1974

Magic Johnson Signed A $25 Million Contract Extension In 1981

: Larry Bird's departure from Indiana University, as shown in Season 2, Episode 3 of Winning Time, was a result of his struggle to adapt to an unfamiliar environment outside his hometown. In 1974, the real-life Larry Bird made the decision to drop out and took up a job as a trash collector in French Lick, Indiana, where he grew up. Eventually, he enrolled at Indiana State University. It was during this period that Bird discovered his affection for being a garbage man and the simplicity of living among his close friends. He took advantage of his time driving around his hometown to identify areas in the community that could be improved, finding fulfillment and contentment in this phase of his life.

In the third episode of Winning Time season 2, there is an important event where Magic Johnson signs a remarkable 25-year contract extension worth $25 million with Jerry Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. This contract, which was signed in 1981, remains the longest NBA contract ever recorded. Although this amount may not seem significant compared to modern NBA salaries, it symbolized Magic's unwavering loyalty to both Buss and the Lakers. As time passed, Magic realized that he was being underpaid, especially in comparison to his teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who was earning nearly $2 million each season. However, back then, Magic was young and enthusiastic about the offer.

Larry Bird’s Father Died By Suicide In 1975

Larry Bird's father, Joe Bird, tragically passed away in 1975 at the age of 48. Larry, who was just nineteen years old at the time, shared a deep bond with his father and often enjoyed their shared passion for fishing. Joe, a veteran of the Korean War, reportedly suffered from emotional and psychological struggles resulting from his time in the military. Moreover, Joe's heavy drinking and difficulties in finding and maintaining employment placed significant financial strain on Bird's family. Compounding the hardships, Joe and his wife Georgia, the mother of Larry and his five siblings, had recently divorced before Joe's unfortunate demise by suicide.

Jim Chones Wasn't That Angry When He Was Traded To Washington

The reaction of former Lakers forward Jim Chones to being traded was a significant highlight in Winning Time season 2, episode 3. As reported by the Washington Post, Chones and his wife Elores were actually thrilled about the move to Washington D.C. because it would bring them closer to their hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. However, the HBO series portrays Chones as having a furious outburst upon learning he was traded for Mitch Kupchick, expressing concern about his recent house purchase in Los Angeles and how to break the news to his wife. In reality, Chones was initially saddened but not caught off guard by the trade, admitting that he found LA's fast-paced lifestyle overwhelming and preferred a more laid-back Midwestern setting.

Red Auerbach Made Larry Bird The Highest-Paid NBA Rookie In 1979

Celtics President Red Auerbach chose to offer Larry Bird the most lucrative contract ever granted to an NBA rookie back then, in order to persuade him to join the Boston Celtics. Bird successfully secured a deal that guaranteed him an annual salary of $650,000 for a duration of five years, which, when adjusted for inflation, would amount to approximately $2.74 million today. As reported by Sports Illustrated, Auerbach intentionally downplayed Bird's role on the team as a "cornerman" during the negotiations. In response, Bird threatened to re-enter the NBA Draft in 1979 and consider playing another year at Indiana State. Ultimately, Bird and the Celtics reached a mutually beneficial agreement, resulting in an extremely lucrative deal.

Magic Johnson Encouraged The Lakers' Trade For Mitch Kupchak, Not Paul Westhead

In the third episode of season 2 of Winning Time, Coach Paul Westhead emerges as the driving force behind the Lakers' pursuit of Mitch Kupchak. However, it is crucial to note that Magic Johnson had actually expressed interest in bringing Kupchak onto their team, a significant detail that was omitted from the HBO series. Subsequently, Kupchak joined the Los Angeles Lakers and played alongside Magic for four seasons, eventually transitioning to become his front-office rival after their respective playing careers ended. Remarkably, in 2017, Magic assummed the General Manager position for the Lakers, supplanting none other than Mitch Kupchak, who had held the role for several decades.

Jeanie Buss Managed Martina Navratilova On The LA Strings

In the second season of Winning Time, Jeanie Buss assumes new responsibilities as the General Manager of the LA Strings. Previously, while her father oversaw the Lakers, Jeanie successfully managed several professional tennis players, aiding them in winning the 1981 league championship. Among those players was the formidable Martina Navratilova, who showcased her dominance on the tennis court. Navratilova later went on to achieve further success with two other TeamTennis champions, while the LA Strings triumphed again in the 1990 TeamTennis Championship. Winning Time season 2 portrays Jeanie Buss's ascent before she eventually became the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers following the passing of Jerry Buss in 2013.