The Showtime era and its impact on the Lakers legacy

The Los Angeles Lakers' Showtime era redefined basketball entertainment, primarily led by Magic Johnson from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. This period saw the team adopt a fast-paced style of play, winning five NBA championships and establishing itself as an iconic franchise. Jerry West, who became the team's general manager in 1982, played a crucial role in building the roster, drafting pivotal players like James Worthy and trading for Byron Scott. The era concluded with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's retirement in 1989 and Johnson's early retirement in 1991 due to health issues. Even 35 years later, the NBA has not replicated the excitement of the Showtime era.

• 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — YouTube Gold: Showtime In L.A.