The enthralling HBO series, “Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty” isn’t just about a basketball team’s meteoric rise. It’s a riveting portrayal of personal growth, leadership, and the dynamics that can make or break a team. Central to this intricate tapestry is the compelling journey of Paul Westhead, artfully portrayed by Jason Segel.
Behind The Lakers’ Curtain: Tensions Rise
Westhead wasn’t just any coach; he guided the Lakers to a momentous NBA Title in 1980. Yet, by the early weeks of the 1981-82 season, after a not-so-promising 7-4 start, the coach found himself at the center of a storm. The series exposes the locker room intricacies, notably Magic Johnson’s (Quincy Isaiah) discord with Westhead, which would culminate in the latter’s ouster.
The portrayal of Westhead is nuanced. As seen in “Winning Time season 2, episode 5”, his supposed hesitancy to embrace feedback sowed the seeds of discontent.
However, real-life accounts add more layers to this narrative. While Magic Johnson’s criticisms might have made headlines, they weren’t the sole factor. As the Washington Post reported in 1981, discussions around Westhead’s exit were already brewing before Johnson’s grievances became public knowledge.
From Lakers’ Highs to Chicago Bulls’ Lows
Transitioning from the Lakers, Westhead took the reins of the Chicago Bulls in the 1982-83 NBA season. It was a season of irony, watching his former team clinch an NBA title. For Westhead, however, fortune didn’t favor. Leading the Bulls, he clocked a 28-54 record. Such numbers weren’t just disappointing; they marked the season as the second-lowest in the team’s legacy.
Echoing the problems he faced in Los Angeles, Westhead’s tenure with the Bulls was riddled with disagreements over playing style. It wasn’t long before he was replaced by Kevin Loughrey in 1983, with the latter coming with accolades of leading the Atlanta Hawks into successive playoff seasons.
Westhead’s Legacy: Beyond NBA Championships
Despite his rocky NBA journeys, Westhead didn’t fade into obscurity. Instead, he pivoted to college basketball. His coaching genius was evident at Loyola Marymount University from 1985-1990. Under his stewardship, the LMU team not only earned respect but also set the NCAA record by averaging an astonishing 122.4 points in the 1990 season.
His career didn’t stop there. The NBA once again beckoned, and Westhead took charge of teams like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic. He capped off his illustrious career with a five-year coaching tenure for the Oregon University women’s team, retiring in 2014.
While “Winning Time season 2, episode 5” may depict one of Westhead’s professional lows, his story is one of resilience. The true testament to his prowess isn’t merely the championships or the teams he coached. It’s in the indomitable spirit he exhibited, rebounding from setbacks and crafting legacies wherever he went.
