Jeff Pearlman's new book will be about Showtime Lakers

spflakers · Last edited by spflakers on Mon Dec 02, 2013 12:34 pm; edited 1 time in total

Jeff Pearlman -- author of the Walter Payton bio, '86 Mets, 90s Cowboys books -- has a new book coming out in March:

Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s.

496 pages.

Few thoughts:

* On one hand can't wait to read it. Have really enjoyed Pearlman's other books. Recommend them for anyone.

* Little leery of how much sex and off-court stuff there might be. Not that I'm really against that but at this stage I'd rather read insights about the on-court stuff instead of a rehashing of, say, Magic's conquests in an elevator. Six chicks at once!

* Wondering if there really is a need for this book? I mean there are ALOT of books about those teams, whether you're talking books by Magic or Kareem. Or books by Mark Heisler. Or the superb Winnin' Times. Or Roland Lazenby's books, including the awesome oral history that certainly covered that era. Just not sure what more can be added (unless, again, there's some off-court stuff we don't know about).

Saw that he did over 300 interviews for it.

But yeah, I'll be buying it the day it comes out.

madsen35 · Star Player Joined: 14 Jun 2002 Posts: 8611

There are a ton of books about the Showtime Lakers. Not sure if this will have any new information or interviews. Hopefully it does.
_________________
Good Laker book I recommend, "The Biggest What-If's in Lakers History" http://www.amazon.com/Biggest-What-Ifs-Angeles-History-ebook/dp/B00BB3OEC0

Basketball Fan · Franchise Player Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Posts: 24763

I read the book he wrote on the Cowboys definately had some interesting off the field stuff about these guys so yeah he'd go there.

It was a fast read

K2 · Franchise Player Joined: 25 Dec 2011 Posts: 23529

JeffPearlman · Rookie Joined: 15 Feb 2014 Posts: 8

Hey, my name is Jeff Pearlman. I'm the author of the new Showtime book, which comes out 3.4. This is me: www.jeffpearlman.com

I just wanted to say I'd be happy/honored/whatever to answer any questions anyone has about the book, the process, etc. I spent more than two years researching and writing. It's my sixth book, and an absolute labor of love.

I can also be reached via e-mail at anngold22 [AT] gmail.com.

Anyhow, great forum. Happy to be here.

Jeff

Basketball Fan · Franchise Player Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Posts: 24763

Interesting so how long is this one the Cowboys book was fast reading and it was around 500 pages.

greenfrog · Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2014 11:39 am Post subject:

will you write about all the coke and sex parties, jeff?

vanexelent · Retired Number Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 30081

Basketball Fan · Franchise Player Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Posts: 24763

I was referring to the Cowboys book that was about 500 pages.

Cutheon · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 1:05 pm Post subject:

JeffPearlman · Rookie Joined: 15 Feb 2014 Posts: 8

The book is 496 pages. I spent about 2 1/2 years on the project. It spans from 1979 to 1991; delves deep into the myriad characters, coaches, players, etc. Does it go into the partying? Sure. But it's much more than that.

Omar Little · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 8:45 pm Post subject:

JeffPearlman · Rookie Joined: 15 Feb 2014 Posts: 8

Thanks, all. And really, I'll happily answer any/all questions. Feel free to hit me up at anngold22 AT gmail.com ...

theunknownsoldier · Star Player Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 1161

All my Laker games from the 1980s I still have on vhs buried in boxes. Those were the days when showtime was showtime.

madsen35 · Star Player Joined: 14 Jun 2002 Posts: 8611

Sounds interesting, Jeff.

How did you come up with the idea? How long have you been a writer? I'm an aspiring writer, myself.
_________________
Good Laker book I recommend, "The Biggest What-If's in Lakers History" http://www.amazon.com/Biggest-What-Ifs-Angeles-History-ebook/dp/B00BB3OEC0

Scherm · Star Player Joined: 12 Apr 2001 Posts: 4155

Good luck with the book sales, Jeff, and thanks for covering the Showtime Lakers.

My interview with the author would include these questions:

1) What surprised you most as you got into writing the book?

2) After all the interviews, who did you come away personally admiring the most?

3) Any good Chick Hearn stories come out in the course of your research?

JeffPearlman · Rookie Joined: 15 Feb 2014 Posts: 8

To answer ...

1. I've been a writer for about 20 years. Graduated from the U of Delaware in 1994; started as a food and fashion writer at The Tennessean in Nashville. Moved to sports—then Sports Illustrated. First book in 2004—about the 1986 Mets.

2. Why Showtime? I'm a child of the 80s. Though I grew up in NY, the NBA was Lakers-Celts. And I sided with the Lakers. Had a Magic Converse poster hanging in my room. So, here I am years later, and there hadn't been a great Laker book (of the era) in a looooong time; probably since Winnin' Times in 1986.

3. Biggest surprise: Probably the horrible, nightmarish plight of Jack McKinney, the first Showtime coach. I wonder how many Laker fans even know the tragic details. So heartbreaking.

4. Biggest admiration: Honestly, Jeanie Buss. Wonderful person. Just wonderful.

5. Yes, RE: Chick. Many. He was actually an interestingly thin-skinned and vulnerable man; guarded his turf like a lion. Was loved-disliked by media peers. There's more, obviously. Great man, but difficult, too.

Scherm · Star Player Joined: 12 Apr 2001 Posts: 4155

Scherm · Star Player Joined: 12 Apr 2001 Posts: 4155

Just read a few chapters -- the history is familiar, but Pearlman's narrative is fantastic, and there are definitely layers of great detail behind all the stories we've come to love about the Showtime Lakers.

JeffPearlman · Rookie Joined: 15 Feb 2014 Posts: 8

In the name of self-preservation, just wanna say the book comes out 3.4. LA Times gave it a great review earlier this week ...

http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-ca-jc-jeff-pearlman-20140223,0,6681258.story

vanexelent · Retired Number Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 30081

Black Salt · Star Player Joined: 31 Jul 2013 Posts: 2204

We know everything about showtime thus maybe a few things here and there. Its been said a 100 times. Even Phil's 11 rings book, 3/4 of it was the same crap from The Last Season.

TheRod · Star Player Joined: 24 Dec 2003 Posts: 2019

Jeff,

Appreciate the opportunity you've given us to ask questions about your new book. I'm interested in learning about the relationship between Magic and Jim during the show time era. Their relationship today is quite adverse. Has there always been this "sibling" rivalry between them? I would love to hear the back story between these two guys.

Thanks!

Potato-Mania · Star Player Joined: 07 Nov 2012 Posts: 1244

Just pre-ordered off Amazon. Look forward to reading it.

Basketball Fan · Franchise Player Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Posts: 24763

I'm interested can't wait till it arrives at my library hopefully soon.