32 Years of Titles and Tears From the Best Seat in the House: What I Learned About Happiness, Greatness, Leadership and the Evolution of Sports Science

by Gary Vitti

Many fans refer to Gary Vitti as a Lakers legend. He doesn't describe himself that way - but it is well known that he has worked with many legends over his 32-year NBA career. During his tenure as Head Athletic Trainer, the team won 12 Western Conference Championships and 8 NBA Championships. When he started in 1984, he was a one-man show, the first person at practice and games and the last one to leave. Since that time, iconic film and photos dot the media from network highlights to magazine covers. The job went beyond health care to personal relationships with some of the greatest champions to walk the planet.As a fixture on the first seat of the bench you can imagine, Vitti has seen, heard, and been part of unforgettable achievements and historical defeats. Gary gives you a behind the curtain look, sneak peek from a vantage point he calls, "the best seat in the house." Either on the court, on the road or in the locker room, he delivers story after story from lessons he's learned on happiness, leadership, greatness, and the ever-evolving technology of sports science. In his straight forward storytelling, Vitti allows us a bird's eye view into the heated rivalries of the greatest professional Basketball match-ups fans have ever seen. Not just the athletic prowess of Hall of Fame greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, James Worthy, and Byron Scott but personal insights into all of them. Experience the intensity and benevolence of Pat Riley. Realize the business savvy of Lakers' owner Dr. Jerry Buss and General Manager, Jerry West, as trades are made and dynasties are built. Strap yourself in - enjoy the ride!

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2019

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Read on the in's and out's to be a Athletic Trainer

Being a avid fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. It was a pleasure to see the perspective from a different angle. Thank you Gary for enlightening us for all the year's of service and dedication to one franchise...

[Phil Hardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very interesting. I never imagined that the role of an athletic trainer in the NBA was so complex. It is a good book written by a very good man.

[Isaac Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Awesome read. Had great behind the scenes stories. Also learned how new technology helps professional athletes to become even more dominant.

[Matt Costantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

plan on giving it as a gift! great way to have an insider's view of the championship Laker teams from the last 4 decades; highly recommended!