222That night, Nixon celebrated his twenty-eighth birthday Bruce Newman, “No Glitz, but Maybe Glory,” Sports Illustrated, November 21, 1983.
223He had been raised by a single mother Gordon Edes, “Short Road to Stardom,” Los Angeles Times, April 29, 1988.
223“It was like there was a fraternity” Bob Ryan, “Great Scott,” Sporting News, June 3, 1985.
227“Larry attacked you from so many different angles” Rick Reilly, “Larry and Earvin Still Magic,” ESPN.com, March 6, 2012.
228“My thing was when you compete, you’re really not friends” Interview with David Letterman, Late Show with David Letterman, April 11, 2012.
228“I don’t go out to dinner with him” Roy S. Johnson, “Two Great Rivalries Resume: Bird-Johnson, Celtics-Lakers,” New York Times, May 28, 1984.
229“They’re simply two of the all-time greats” Ibid.
230“I suppose you’re going to ask me” Steve Springer and Alan Greenberg, “Each of the Championship Series So Far Has Turned into Banner Year for Boston,” Los Angeles Times, May 31, 1984.
230“I’m a nostalgia buff” Thomas Bonk, “Lakers, Celtics Renew Old Rivalry,” Los Angeles Times, May 27, 1984.
231By standing alongside the luggage conveyer belt Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson, with Jackie MacMullan, When the Game Was Ours, pp. 128–131.
231“This little old man comes up to me” Rick Reilly, “Larry and Earvin Still Magic,” ESPN.com, March 6, 2012.
232“The pain was intense” Gail Buchalter, “The Lakers’ Legend Faces an Unfair Foe—Migraines,” People magazine, May 2, 1983.
233“As I get older, it’s assumed” Thomas Bonk, “At 37, Abdul-Jabbar Is Going Against All Odds,” Los Angeles Times, May 29, 1984.
233“Maybe we were so happy to be here” Sam Goldaper, “Lakers Halt Celtics in Opener, 115–109,” New York Times, May 28, 1984.
236At the time, NBA shot clocks Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson, with Jackie MacMullan, When the Game Was Ours, p. 132.
236“I’ll never forget the look on Magic’s face” Ibid.
237“We snatched defeat from victory” Thomas Bonk, “Celtics Steal One from Lakers, 124–121,” Los Angeles Times, June 1, 1984.
237“We tried to get them to run themselves to death” Thomas Bonk, “Lakers’ Fast Break Leaves Celtics Broken Down,” Los Angeles Times, June 4, 1984.
237“This series isn’t over” Scott Ostler, “Lakers Are Gone, Celtics Are Going,” Los Angeles Times, June 4, 1984.
238“You guys have already written us off” Scott Ostler and Steve Springer, Winnin’ Times, p. 262.
239One day earlier, while talking with Ainge Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson, with Jackie MacMullan, When the Game Was Ours, p. 135.
241“What Boston did was the equivalent” Thomas Bonk, “Angry Riley Says Celtics Creating ‘an Ugly Situation,’” Los Angeles Times, June 8, 1984.
241“Before, the Lakers were just running across” Anthony Cotton, “Greed and White and Red All Over,” Sports Illustrated, June 26, 1984.
CHAPTER 12
244During his final prep season, there was talk Roger Jackson, “A Big One Who Thought Small,” Sports Illustrated, December 1, 1980.
244Why, when UCLA coach Larry Brown Sam Goldaper, “Earl Jones: ‘Mystery Man’ of Draft,” New York Times, June 18, 1984.
244On the morning after his spectacular debut Frank Sleeper, stringer file to Sports Illustrated, December 14, 1979.
245The announcement, big enough to garner coverage “Jones, Top Basketball Star, to Attend D.C. University,” New York Times, June 10, 1980.
245“We’re talking about a number one draft pick here” Ira Rosenfeld, stringer file to Sports Illustrated, February 11, 1984.
245“All I want to be is a pro and drive an Eldorado” Dave Kindred, “UDC’s Jones: A Slumber Sleeper,” Sporting News, January 1, 1984.
246He signed his $75,000 contract on August 15 Jerry Crowe, “Earl Jones Is Signed by Lakers,” Los Angeles Times, August 16, 1984.
249“People always ask me if I’m a basketball player” Thomas Bonk, “Taking a Long Look-See,” Los Angeles Times, August 22, 1984.
252On September 29, 1984, Abdul-Jabbar was driving Pam King, “Kareem Sues Cyclist over Damage to Auto,” Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, December 18, 1984.
253“It was tough for him last year” Bruce Newman, “Mr. T Crashes through the Sound Barrier and Beyond,” Sports Illustrated, June 3, 1985.
253“I think he’s the best shooter in basketball” Bob Ryan, “Great Scott,” Sporting News, June 3, 1985.
254“Byron’s able to guard the great point” Scott Howard-Cooper, “Scott Has What It Takes at the Finish,” Los Angeles Times, May 1, 1991.
254“He didn’t have to help me at all, but he did” “Lakers Healthy, Hungry, Better than Ever,” New York Times, May 27, 1985.
258Immediately after the loss to Boston Paul Attner, “In Search of Redemption,” Sporting News, May 6, 1985.
258“I sat back when it was over” Bruce Newman, “Magic Faces the Music,” Sports Illustrated, May 13, 1985.
259“Can the Celtics slow down the Lakers” Sam Goldaper, “Celtics Try for Rarity,” New York Times, May 27, 1985.
260“I don’t think there’s any doubt” Roy S. Johnson, “Lakers Healthy, Hungry, Better than Ever,” New York Times, May 27, 1985.
260The 34-point margin of victory Anthony Cotton, “Celtics’ Game 1 Message: 148–114,” Washington Post, May 28, 1985.
261“It’s definitely time to back off” Alexander Wolff, “The ‘Movie Stars’ Changed Their Act,” Sports Illustrated, June 10, 1985.
264“Rambis is generally viewed in Laker circles” Thomas Bonk, “Lakers Get Two Chances for Redemption,” Los Angeles Times, June 8, 1985.
CHAPTER 13
266Buss resided in Pickfair, the Beverly Hills mansion Will Wright, “Famous Houses: Pickfair—A History of Beverly Hills’ First Mansion,” voices.yahoo.com/famous-houses-pickfair-history -beverly-hills-340021.htm, May 16, 2007.
268Though not quite as awe-inspiring as Pickfair No byline, “Magic Johnson’s Mixed Emotions,” New York Times, June 2, 1987.
268“Some were secretaries” Earvin Johnson with William Novak, My Life, pp. 250–251.
273“He had to psych himself up to be that tough guy” Steve Kelley, “Maurice Lucas Was a Tough Guy on the Court, a Sweetheart off It,” Seattle Times, November 1, 2010.
275“Those years with McAdoo, that team was awfully close” Roland Lazenby, The Show, pp. 244–245.
278On January 15, McAdoo Mike Barnes, “Manute Bol May Have Future in the Ring,” United Press International, January 16, 1986.
279“It’s time to start driving for the playoffs” Mark Heisler, “Laker Win Has Riley Fired Up,” Los Angeles Times, March 4, 1986.
279Or, as Blazers guard Clyde Drexler noted Thomas Bonk, “Lakers Sweep Portland, but 60th Win Brings Yawn,” Los Angeles Times, April 9, 1986.
281“Out dripped victory” Chris Jenkins, “Lakers Work Their Magic,” San Diego Union-Tribune, May 11, 1986.
282“One time, I think they dropped somebody out of the ceiling on me” Thomas Bonk, “Rockets Have a Block Party at Forum, 112–102,” Los Angeles Times, May 14, 1986.
CHAPTER 14
284“People in Los Angeles are a lot freer” Steve Delsohn, Showtime!, p. 68.
286“Earvin, as the vocal leader of the team” Jerry West and Jonathan Coleman, West by West, p. 138.
288“Wilt Chamberlain got traded” Sam McManis, “Worthy Tries to Deal with the Off-Season Trade Talk,” Los Angeles Times, October 14, 1986.
291During a December practice in Richfield Gordon Edes, “Lakers’ Second-Year Forward Will Start Season on Injured List,�
�� Los Angeles Times, November 1, 1987.
291In April, he forgot Earl Bloom, “Lakers Going Like 60,” Orange County Register, April 6, 1987.
294On the day before the game Gordon Edes, “Purple, Green Clash Minus Redhead as . . . the Rivalry Resumes,” Los Angeles Times, December 12, 1986.
294Los Angeles returned from an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit Dave O’Hara, “Lakers 117, Celtics 110,” Associated Press, December 13, 1986.
295With four minutes, forty-one seconds remaining in the fourth quarter Gordon Edes, “Blowout Turns into a Blowup,” Los Angeles Times, January 3, 1987.
295“I was actually pretty surprised” Barry Bloom, “Once-Unsinkable Lakers’ Ship Now Appears to Be Filled with Holes,” San Diego Union-Tribune, February 3, 1987.
296It was an icy day, and young Earvin Homecoming with Rick Reilly featuring Magic Johnson, ESPN, December 14, 2010.
297“What should I do?” Gordon Edes, “Magic Johnson, 1986–87: His Greatest Act Yet,” Los Angeles Times, May 18, 1987.
298“I’ve been talking to my folks every day” Barry Bloom, “Once-Unsinkable Lakers’ Ship Now Appears to Be Filled with Holes,” San Diego Union-Tribune, February 3, 1987.
299The Lakers jumped out to a 29–0 lead Earl Bloom, “Over at the Quarter: Lakers 40, Kings 4,” Orange County Register, February 5, 1987.
299“We don’t have anybody who can contain Mychal Thompson” Kent Hannon, “Even the Shirt Off His Back,” Sports Illustrated, March 6, 1978.
300In one, he grabbed 61 rebounds Bruce Newman, “He Puts the Court before the Horse,” Sports Illustrated, August 23, 1982.
300He told the media he was cousins Gordon Edes, “Bahamas’ Main Man,” Los Angeles Times, Fenruary 22, 1987.
301“With them beating us in the Garden” Earl Bloom, “Lakers Shooting for Sweep of Celtics in Regular Season,” Orange County Register, February 15, 1987.
302“There isn’t anybody we know about in the league” Godon Edes, “Is Celtics’ McHale ‘Unstoppable’?,” Los Angeles Times, February 15, 1987.
303“For the most part” Gordon Edes, “West Angrily Denies Telling Newspaper that Adbul-Jabbar Is ‘Killing’ Lakers,” Los Angeles Times, February 23, 1987.
304“They only want to drink champagne when they win it all” Chris Baker, “Lakers Clinch Sixth Division Title, Put Champagne on Hold,” Los Angeles Times, March 27, 1987.
CHAPTER 15
309“This is their year,” Doug Moe, Denver’s coach, said Hal Brock, “Is It the Lakers’ Turn, Again?” Associated Press, May 30, 1987.
309They got past the Detroit Pistons Anthony Cotton, “Celtics Gives Pistons Lesson in Survival,” Washington Post, May 31, 1987.
310“The shamrocks, leprechauns, parquet, mystique and mirrors” Bob Rubin, “Battered Celtics Brace against a Storm,” Miami Herald, June 2, 1987.
310“We know our turn is coming” Chris Baker, “For the Ninth Time, Boston Will Meet L.A. for the Title,” Los Angeles Times, May 31, 1987.
311“If this were a championship fight” Tom Zucco, “L.A. Quickly Puts Boston on Defensive,” St. Petersburg Times, June 3, 1987.
311“This was one of those scrimmages they had in Santa Barbara” Anthony Cotton, “Lakers Make Quick Work of Celtics,” Washington Post, June 3, 1987.
311This time, Boston actually jumped out to a 19–14 lead midway Bob Sakamoto, “A Wearing Down of the Green,” Chicago Tribune, June 5, 1987.
312“We’ve got a bunch of gutsy human beings here” Ira Berkow, “They Went Whichaway?,” New York Times, June 4, 1987.
312The team stayed at the Boston Sheraton Pat Riley with Byron Laursen, Show Time, p. 226.
312“Last week we made a deal” Ibid., pp. 230–231.
313“It definitely gets a team excited if another team takes cheap shots” Anthony Cotton, “Lakers Rally to Overcome Celtics, 107–106,” Washington Post, June 10, 1987.
314“I had the best view of it” Ken Denlinger, “A Fly Hook Puts Boston in a Hole,” Washington Post, June 10, 1987.
315“A junior, junior, junior skyhook” Tom Cushman, “Lakers Find a Four-Leaf Clover in the Garden,” San Diego Union-Tribune, June 10, 1987.
CHAPTER 16
317The caricature of West had often Jerry West and Jonathan Coleman, West by West, p. 17.
317“I would go to sleep feeling like I didn’t even want to live” Mitch Lawrence, “NBA Legend Jerry West Details Depression, Abusive Father in New Memoir ‘West by West,’” New York Daily News, October 16, 2011.
317“I think most people would agree on this” Jerry West and Jonathan Coleman, West by West, p. 48.
319“He can run and jump with the best” Earl Bloom, “Lakers Tab Glass after Wait,” Orange County Register, June 23, 1987.
320“Thank God Kareem was my teammate” Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson, with Jackie MacMullan, When the Game Was Ours, p. 209.
321“The scrimmages were better when Kareem wasn’t playing” Ibid., pp. 210–211.
321“The Boston mystique, the crowds” Gordon Edes, “Short Road to Stardom,” Los Angeles Times, April 29, 1988.
322Jerry Buss fought a $25 million palimony suit Roxane Arnold, “$25-Million Palimony Suit Filed against Lakers’ Owner Jerry Buss,” Los Angeles Times, July 9, 1987.
322Johnson attended a 4-H rally in Michigan Gordon Edes, “No Big Vacation,” Los Angeles Times, July 9, 1987.
322“Just when we thought we’d done everything we could do” Roland Lazen, The Show, p. 260.
324“My first reaction,” McDaniel said Gordon Edes, “A Sonic Boom Hits the Lakers,” Los Angeles Times, November 25, 1987.
325A durable player, he missed Bill Barnard, “SuperSonics 112, Knicks 109,” Associated Press, December 1, 1987.
326“When Isiah Thomas smiles” William F. Reed, “There’s No Doubting Thomas,” Sports Illustrated, April 6, 1981.
326“The way I saw it, we would be like the old Oakland Raiders” Isiah Thomas with Matt Dobek, Bad Boys!, pp. 24–25.
327The two first met in 1979 Cameron Stauth, The Franchise, p. 315.
327Through the years, whenever he visited Earvin Johnson with William Novak, My Life, pp. 234–237.
328“Your boy Isiah has done it” Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson, with Jackie MacMullan, When the Game Was Ours, pp. 216–217.
329“No team is this good” Scott Ostler, “Let’s Focus on Just How Good Lakers Are,” Los Angeles Times, February 22, 1988.
329Once again the game was bestial Mark Heisler, “Lakers Enforce Their Will on Isiah, Enforcers,” Los Angeles Times, February 22, 1988.
330“The message has to be out that this stuff about” Jack McCallum, “The Dread R Word,” Sports Illustrated, April 18, 1988.
331“I didn’t touch him” No byline, “Abdul-Jabbar Gets in Scuffle at Phoenix Mall,” Chicago Tribune, April 24, 1988.
332“We’ve got a chance of being the greatest team ever” Bob Sakamoto, “Lakers a Step from Greatness,” Chicago Tribune, June 5, 1988.
CHAPTER 17
335As Jack McCallum noted Jack McCallum, “Still Up for Grabs,” Sports Illustrated, June 20, 1988.
336“At times I was out of position on defense” Earl Bloom, “One Lakers Defender Is No Match for Dantley,” Orange County Register, June 8, 1988.
337“I don’t wish this on nobody” Anthony Cotton, “Lakers Shake Off Pistons, 108–96, Tie NBA Finals,” Washington Post, June 10, 1988.
338His father, Earvin Sr., was petrified of flying Don Greenberg, “Lakers Savor Victory, Feast,” Orange County Register, June 13, 1988.
338“I think the flu was a blessing” Mark Whicker, “Lighter Magic Tips the Scales toward Lakers,” Orange County Register, June 13, 1988.
338“We kept sear
ching for something out” Jack McCallum, “Still Up for Grabs,” Sports Illustrated, June 20, 1988.
338“We played like high schoolers” Earl Bloom, “Pistons Lose Their Composure, Then the Game,” Orange County Register, June 13, 1988.
339“You see what I’ve been getting!” Earvin Johnson with William Novak, My Life, p. 239.
339“[Magic] made the statement that if I came through the lane” Curtis G. Bunn, “Pistons Hot When Magic Sits,” Newsday, June 15, 1988.
339“I did target Isiah” Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson, with Jackie MacMullan, When the Game Was Ours, p. 222.
339Because Thomas was so hopped up on painkillers Isiah Thomas with Matt Dobek, Bad Boys!, pp. 48–49.
339The boy weighed six pounds, five and a half ounces Jack McCallum, “Tackling a Tough Task,” Sports Illustrated, June 27, 1988.
340“I’d messed around a little bit with basketball” David Remnick, “Bullets’ Mahorn: Picks and Choices,” Washington Post, December 29, 1983.
340“He can dish it out, but can he take it?” Jack McCallum, “Tackling a Tough Task,” Sports Illustrated, June 27, 1988.
341“We read in the papers the Lakers were going” Earl Bloom, “Lakers’ Rough Play Backfired, Rodman Says,” Orange County Register, June 18, 1988.
341“Who wanted it more?” Mike Downey, “In the End, Lakers Found Wanting,” Los Angeles Times, June 17, 1988.
341“It’s a little villa in southern Italy” David Kahn, “Riley Says He’s Heading for Italy and, by the Way, Lakers Will Win,” Oregonian, June 19, 1988.
342“He was just red hot” John Freeman, “Lakers Roll One More 7,” San Diego Union-Tribune, June 20, 1988.
342“I couldn’t believe this was happening” Isiah Thomas with Matt Dobek, Bad Boys!, p. 51.
342Blood dripped from a wound Cameron Stauth, The Franchise, p. 14.
343The Lakers had offered help in the form of a bucket of ice Isiah Thomas with Matt Dobek, Bad Boys!, p. 52.
343Trainers placed him in the dreaded “Boot” Cameron Stauth, The Franchise, p. 17.
343He arrived on crutches Cameron Stauth, The Franchise, p. 16.
Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty ofthe 1980s Page 56