Magic Johnson’s Trade Request from the Lakers in 1981

Long before the era of player empowerment in the NBA, Magic Johnson, a star player for the Los Angeles Lakers, stunned the basketball community with an unexpected trade request in 1981. This move sent shockwaves through the league and raised questions about the reasons behind Johnson’s decision.

Championship Glory

Magic Johnson‘s professional journey commenced with remarkable success. The 1979-80 season concluded with the Los Angeles Lakers clinching the NBA championship—a remarkable feat. Johnson’s defining moment came during the 1980 NBA Finals when he stepped up in the absence of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar due to an ankle injury. His exceptional performance of 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists in the clinching game solidified his status as a rising star. However, the harmony between Johnson and Lakers coach Paul Westhead quickly disintegrated, leading to Westhead’s departure early in the 1981-82 season.

The Unraveling of a Relationship

The deterioration of the relationship between Magic Johnson and Coach Paul Westhead was a process that unfolded over time. The once-promising partnership soured, with tensions reaching a breaking point during the 1981-82 season. This breakdown prompts an examination of the factors that contributed to their falling out.

Injury and Playoff Setbacks

Following his All-Star debut and securing his maiden NBA championship, Johnson’s fortunes took a downturn during the 1980-81 season. An unfortunate left knee cartilage injury restricted him to just 37 games. While he managed to return for the 1981 NBA Playoffs, the Lakers faltered, succumbing to the Houston Rockets in the opening round. Johnson’s struggles on the court were evident, culminating in a disappointing performance in the decisive game of the series.

Clash of Playstyles

As the offseason arrived and Magic Johnson signed a substantial 25-year, $25 million contract with the Lakers, his discontent persisted. A significant point of contention arose regarding the team’s playing style. Johnson advocated for a fast-paced offensive strategy, while Coach Westhead favored maintaining the offensive focus on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This clash of coaching philosophies laid the groundwork for the impending trade request.

Bold Decision

The turning point came in November 1981, following the Lakers’ narrow victory over the Jazz. Johnson’s frustration reached its peak, and he declared his intention to speak with team owner Jerry Buss about a potential trade. He expressed his dissatisfaction, stating unequivocally, “I can’t play here anymore. I want to leave. I want to be traded.” This candid revelation marked a critical juncture in Johnson’s relationship with the Lakers. The aftermath of Johnson’s trade request was swift and decisive. Less than 24 hours later, Coach Westhead was relieved of his duties by the Lakers. Johnson’s candid remarks did not directly influence this decision, as owner Jerry Buss clarified. The coaching transition led to Pat Riley assuming the head coaching role, a role he would hold for the remainder of the season. Under Riley’s guidance, the Lakers underwent a transformative period, winning a significant number of their regular season games.

Championships and Legacy

The change in leadership under Pat Riley brought about a resurgence for both Magic Johnson and the Lakers. The team’s dominance during the 1982 NBA Playoffs culminated in another championship victory, with Johnson being awarded his second NBA Finals MVP accolade. This marked the beginning of a golden era for the Lakers, characterized by multiple championships and historic achievements. Johnson’s decision to request a trade in 1981 ultimately paved the way for an enduring legacy of success.