Between Dynasties: The Los Angeles Lakers in the years between Magic and Kobe

by Andrew van Buuren

The definitive chronicle of the forgotten Lakers from 1992-1996.

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of basketball’s most successful franchises. But even they are not immune to black holes - years devoid of championships or generation-defining players. Magic Johnson’s shocking retirement in 1991 thrust the Lakers into a painful and forgotten era of lowlights that lasted until Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal arrived in the summer of 1996.

Four different coaches in five years. Rosters of past-their-prime veterans and immature youngsters. Shockingly unprofessional captains. A record losing streak. A retired star who couldn’t let go. But with recalibrated expectations, there are achievements from this era that have been overlooked. Sneaking into the playoffs against all odds in 1992. Showtime’s final stand in Phoenix. The buzzer beater at Boston Garden. An unexpected playoff run in 1995. Giant leaps forward in HIV and AIDS awareness.

Comprehensive and reflective, Between Dynasties documents a missing link in Lakers history.

Genres: Basketball, Sports

437 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2018

About the author

Andrew van Buuren has been an obsessive fan of the Los Angeles Lakers for nearly 30 years. The second-best day of his life was when Jerry West signed Shaquille O’Neal, surpassed only by the birth of his daughter. Andrew is a keen sportswriter, backed by an Honors degree in History. He lives in Adelaide, Australia with his partner Alecia, their daughter Olivia and their dog Fletcher.

Reviews

[Giacomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

La nostalgia che ho provato a rileggere i nomi di Van Exel, Jones, Ceballos and Co. Voi non la potete capire. Sono esattamente i nomi per cui mi sono innamorato dei Lakers, di cui imitavo le mosse al campetto, con cui giocavo sempre ai videogiochi. Loro prima di Kobe son stati il gancio delle prime visioni di basket che ho avuto nella vita.

Il libro è un pochino troppo statistico alle volte, mette insieme troppi numeri che possono confondere però copre un periodo interessantissimo dove stava cambiando anche la mentalità dei giocatori oltre agli stessi Lakers.

Solo per veri tifosi insomma, ma questi apprezzeranno.

[Matthew Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great idea for a book - any Lakers diehard will devour this, especially those that loved The Lake Show years. From Magic's announcement to the Randy Pfund experiment to the roster of almost all homegrown talent - competing and holding their own against the western juggernauts in Seattle and Salt Lake City - to signing Shaq and bringing in Phil. Highly entertaining book!

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not perfect but is lovingly researched and is somehow detailed yet a fun easy read.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting at times, but very stat heavy.