Unveiling the Truth: The Shocking Revelation in Winning Time Season 2 Episode 4!
Winning Time Season 2 Episode 4 Recap: Unveiling shocking revelations, this episode delves into Magic Johnson's controversial contract, jealous teammates, near departure of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, struggles of the Lakers' 1981-82 season, a tragic event tied to Jerry Tarkanian, Pat Riley's stress, and Magic's trade request
Summary
Winning Time episode 4 "The New World" stays true to the source material with few creative leaps, focusing on the tensions between Coach Westhead and Magic Johnson.
Magic's $25 million contract extension sparked jealousy and tension among his teammates, who were uneasy with his status as a superstar. In 1981, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar contemplated leaving the Lakers over concerns about the preferential treatment given to Magic and its repercussions on team cohesion.
In the latest episode of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, tensions between Coach Paul Westhead and star player Magic Johnson escalate until their dispute becomes irreparable. The HBO series selectively portrays real-life events while incorporating dramatic elements for entertainment purposes. Overall, episode 4 "The New World" closely follows the source material, although it includes some artistic liberties in showcasing how information is unveiled through the Los Angeles press in the early 1980s.
While episode 3 of Winning Time season 2 took a detour to explore the backstory of Boston Celtic legend Larry Bird, episode 4 delves into the start of the 1981 NBA season. This season witnesses the rivalry between Lakers owner Buss and Celtics executive Auerbach intensify to new heights. Both teams had recently won an NBA Championship, making the 1981-82 season a defining moment for professional basketball's pinnacle. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, after their impressive rookie and sophomore seasons, take center stage. However, before they can fully shine, Magic must overcome his biggest hurdle: Coach Paul Westhead's classroom-style coaching approach.
Red Auerbach Did Not Leak Magic’s $25 Million Deal To The Press
Magic’s Teammates Were Actually Jealous About His Big Contract
depicts Celtics President Red Auerbach in Winning Time season 2, episode 4. In the episode, he is shown rushing to inform the press about Magic Johnson's $25 million deal with the Lakers, after a conversation with Jerry Buss that displeases him. However, it is important to note that in real life, Auerbach was actually in charge of the Players Association and had authority to approve the unique contract. Nonetheless, he was not vindictive enough to leak the news to the press, simply to create turmoil within the already delicate Lakers locker room. In reality, Jerry Buss himself announced Magic's 25-year contract extension prior to the 1981 season. The portrayal of Auerbach as the source of the leaked information in Winning Time is merely a narrative tool designed to heighten the animosity between these two legendary basketball franchises.
Upon news breaking about Magic Johnson's $25 million contract extension, his teammates, if not all, harbored increased jealousy and kept their distance from him. The 1980-81 Lakers had already felt a strain due to Magic's rising celebrity status and lucrative endorsement deals following his impressive rookie season. This tension was particularly evident with his older teammates, notably Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Buss's announcement of the colossal contract extension only intensified the discomfort among Magic's fellow players, as he was poised to become their leader on the court while simultaneously creating noticeable friction off the court.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Nearly Left The Lakers In 1981
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar considered joining another NBA team at the beginning of the 1981-82 season. As a seasoned veteran, his sole focus was on basketball. He was part of the Lakers squad that believed Magic Johnson's fame was a distraction to the team. Upon learning about Magic's lucrative contract extension, Jabbar contemplated requesting a trade to a formidable team like the New York Knicks, where true basketball values were emphasized. While Kareem didn't harbor personal animosity towards Magic for receiving special treatment, he subscribed to the belief that it could disrupt the team's unity and connection. Kareem's concerns were primarily centered around his potential to continue winning NBA Championships, a certainty he questioned at the time.
The Lakers Started Their 1981-82 Season Winning 2 Of 6 Games
The Lakers got off to a rough start in the 1981-82 season, losing their first two games, including a close home opener against the Houston Rockets. Led by Hall of Famer Moses Malone, the Rockets edged out a victory by a single point. The team then suffered another defeat on the road against the Portland Trailblazers, putting them at a disheartening 0-2 record. Despite this slow start, team owner Jerry Buss remained confident in the chosen roster. However, coach Paul Westhead attributed the lack of success to players not fully embracing his offensive system, especially Magic Johnson. As the Lakers hit a low point with a 2-6 record, Westhead started feeling the pressure of being on the hot seat. Fortunately, a four-game winning streak would soon come to alleviate these anxieties.
Jerry Tarkanian’s Friend Was Actually Killed By A Las Vegas Mob
Pat Riley Was So Stressed About The Lakers He Wore A Neck Brace
: The enigmatic tale of Jerry Tarkanian resurfaces once more in episode 4 of season 2 of Winning Time. This comes after featuring the coach in multiple episodes of season 1. Jerry Buss, in search of a fresh head coach for the Lakers during the 1978-80 seasons, had his sights set on Jerry Tarkanian, an accomplished coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In episode 4 of Winning Time season 2, the focus shifts to Paul Westhead, who gradually sinks into a vortex of self-importance and paranoia. He reveals the significance of Coach McKinney's involvement in a bicycle accident and the unfortunate demise of Tarkanian's acquaintance, who was allegedly targeted by the mob over a financial debt and placed inside a car trunk. Without these events, Westhead acknowledges that he would likely never have achieved an NBA Championship.
Following the Lakers' 1980-81 season, Pat Riley began wearing a neck brace due to immense stress regarding the team's direction. The depiction in Winning Time suggests that his tensions with Coach Paul Westhead contributed to his decision to wear the brace, but in truth, Riley adopted it after the Lakers' playoff disappointment at the end of the previous season. While the documentary hints at Riley's difficulties with Westhead as the primary cause, Riley's use of the brace actually stemmed from his unwavering dedication and concern for the overall well-being of the Lakers.
Magic Requested A Trade Over Disagreements With Paul Westhead
In a surprising turn of events in season 2, episode 4 of Winning Time, the spotlight falls on Magic Johnson as he unexpectedly demands a trade from the Lakers. This unexpected decision comes right after a significant victory against the Utah Jazz. Despite the team's recent success and signs of improvement in the 1981-82 season, he declares to the media that he can no longer play for the Lakers. Magic leverages his direct line to Jerry Buss and exercises his special privilege, causing concern among his fellow Lakers players like Paul and Kareem. While Magic ultimately succeeds in getting Paul Westhead fired, it becomes evident that his actions reflect a lack of teamwork and cooperation. The upcoming episodes of Winning Time will delve into the power shift from Westhead to assistant coach Pat Riley.
