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Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Is Frank Vogel’s job security still stable?

By Ronald Agers

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel is seen on the sideline during a game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel is seen on the sideline during a game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers rumors
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers /

No, the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t win all five NBA championships under Pat Riley!

Remember Magic Johnson’s rookie year in Game 6 when he lined up to play center replacing the “Captain” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who was trying to get ready for Game 7?

Remember the shock from the media that pretty much thought it was a foregone conclusion that the Sixers led by Julius Erving would blow them out?

Only the Lakers went on to win the NBA title behind Magic Johnson’s iconic stat line of 42 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. Pat Riley was looking on the Lakers bench as…the ASSISTANT COACH!

The head coach at the time was Paul Westhead, who filled in for the late Jack McKinney who suffered a bicycle accident. McKinney’s offense was uptempo that suited Magic just fine.

After the NBA title, these chain of events happened that shows that championships and basketball schemes are not enough.

  • Magic Johnson started his infamous relationship with the late Dr. Jerry Buss.
  • He signed a 25-year $25 million dollar contract.
  • He became the face of the franchise (Kareem was the best player, but Magic sold the tickets and along with Larry Bird saved the NBA!) 

Paul Westhead the next year decided to change the offense to run through Kareem Abdul-Jabbar instead of the uptempo offense that would eventually turn into “Showtime”. Magic wasn’t happy about it and his play showed that fact.

After Westhead had a discussion with Johnson about his “lack of concentration”, Magic Johnson went straight to the press, criticized Westhead’s system and demanded to be traded.

Soon after, Paul Westhead was fired after Dr. Buss called that infamous press conference to hire  Jerry West and Pat Riley as co-coaches. One was supposed to take care of the offense, while the other dealt with the defense. Jerry West said no and took up the GM duties and the Lakers swept up four more NBA titles dominating the 80’s with the Boston Celtics under Pat Riley.

Now that Lake Show Life has your attention, the next several pages will show how Frank Vogel might be on the hot seat and could be fired. See he committed the same mistakes as the coaches that were fired previously were guilty of.

Ready? Let’s get to it.

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