The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the crown jewels of the NBA’s history, have fallen on hard times lately, with the four worst seasons in franchise history. Kobe Bryant is gone, and now the team’s hopes rest on the No. 2 overall pick in the draft later this month.
But on Monday night, “Showtime” returned to L.A., if only for one hour.
Magic Johnson joined Pat Riley on stage for a moderated discussion in which the Lakers legends reminisced on their dynasty of the ’80s and shared their insights into the champions of the current era. They laughed, got up and danced to George Benson, closed their eyes and nodded while listening to Marvin Gaye’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 1983 All-Star Game.