The Showtime Lakers were one of the most entertaining teams in NBA history. A young Magic Johnson ran the show and the all-time scorer in Kareem dominated the post. The team was box office from the moment they got together. And one coach was responsible for shaping this superteam. However, an accident cut his coaching career short. To which Kareem and the entire Lakers’ roster were devastated.

Jack McKinney joined the Lakers as the head coach when a rookie Magic entered the league. However, the league had no idea he would create Showtime. McKinney put Johnson as the point guard. This became the most pivotal decision for the purple and gold. Magic’s uncanny passing style became the center stage for the most electrifying offenses in the NBA. Unfortunately, McKinney could only live 13 games of his creation.

The Lakers head coach met with a bicycle accident that ended his career. Likewise, the entire Showtime were crushed.

Showtime Lakers go through their saddest time

McKinney was heading for the Lake Show into the main light. 13 games into the season, the 17-time champions had won 9 games. However, amidst the birth of Showtime, the team received devastating news. While taking his bicycle for a ride, McKinney had a near-death accident. The head coach suffered a brain injury.

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Kareem detailed the incident in the Lakers camp. He said: “Jack’s accident devastated me—and the rest of the team. For me, he had really figured out how to bring out the best from us as individual players and as a team. I was happy to do whatever he suggested. We used his offensive ideas for the next four or five years to great success.”

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the show had to go on. And the Lakers found the perfect coach to continue the spirit. Pat Riley followed McKinney’s teachings. He shaped the Purple and Gold into the most unstoppable offense. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won 4 more championships. The Showtime became the greatest team in sports.

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If it wasn’t for McKinney’s call to put Magic at the point, the purple and gold would look different. Despite his accident, he remains to be man behind the Showtime Lakers.