Los Angeles Lakers · Franchise era 3 of 8
Showtime: the Los Angeles Lakers story
Franchise era
1979–80—1990–91
Showtime
Los Angeles Lakers
The story in one sentence
Magic's arrival unlocked a glamorous, devastating style that produced nine Finals trips and five titles.
01
Magic, Kareem and the fast break
02
Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy gave the era its recognizable core.
03
Its ending created the conditions for between dynasties.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1979–80
What came before
Years of Finals frustration finally ended when the 1971–72 Lakers won 33 straight games and the championship.
1985
NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics
1987
NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics
1988
NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons
After 1990–91
What came next
A lively young team bridged the abrupt end of Showtime to the summer that changed the franchise again.
The core