“He’d run out onto the court after a great play slap someone on the butt” - When Lakers had ‘the perfect leader for a perfect team’ to create their ‘Showtime’ identity

While the ‘Showtime’ identity of the LA Lakers is most commonly associated with luminaries such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, James Worthy, and Pat Riley, the birth of this iconic style can be attributed to a lesser-known figure.

This individual, despite having the shortest stints with the team, laid the groundwork for the Lakers’ dynamic play. Moreover, his innovative approach not only propelled the team to the 1980 championship but also established a blueprint that later Paul Westphal and Riley would build upon to achieve further success.

McKinney was the ‘perfect coach‘ for the Lakers

Jack McKinney ’s journey in the NBA began at the age of 39, following coaching stints at the collegiate and high school levels. In 1974, when he served as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, his work was so impressive that Jack Ramsay, when he became the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, was hellbent on getting McKinney by his side. Given his sky-high confidence, their partnership led the franchise to register their first-ever championship in 1977.

By 1979, despite not being a household name, McKinney’s reputation within NBA circles was substantial. So, when Jerry West stepped down as the Lakers' head coach and negotiations with Jerry Tarkanian faltered, owner Jerry Buss identified McKinney as the bold, transformative coach capable of redefining the Lakers’ style and identity.

Though the Lakers’ had plenty of talent on their roster and had just drafted Magic Johnson as their No. 1 pick, there was plenty of confusion on how to maximize their overall talent. While The Logo, who had become a team consultant, suggested that Johnson should be used as a forward, Jack boldly positioned the 6’9” point guard as the team’s offensive catalyst and primary ball handler. He made Norm Nixon, who had already been with the team two seasons before, operate as a shooting guard.

McKinney’s vision transformed the Lakers’ playing style from a traditional, structured offense to a fast-paced, improvisational attack that outwitted most defensive gameplans. The Lakers’ new identity featured spectacular no-look passes, precise alley-oops, and intricate ball movement unseen in previous eras of basketball.

"Jack was instant enthusiasm," Lakers' former PR director Bob Steiner told Jeff Pearlman in the book Showtime . "He'd run out onto the court after a great play, slap someone on the butt. He was the perfect leader for a perfect team."

Related: Scottie Pippen on how Michael Jordan would have reacted if he left the Bulls: "He would have probably tried to shoot more and score more"

Lakers players knew who created their ‘Showtime’ identity

However, just as things seemed to be moving smoothly, tragedy struck the Lakers hard when McKinney suffered a horrific accident while riding his bike , resulting in a severe head-first collision with the pavement. The fall left him with a severe concussion, a fractured cheekbone, a fractured elbow, and multiple bruises.

Westhead initially stepped in as the Lakers’ interim coach and was named the team’s permanent head coach near the end of the season. Utilizing McKinney’s offensive game plan, the Lakers went on to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980 NBA Finals.

Even for the years when Riley replaced Westphal at the Lakers’ helm, the players were well aware of who had laid the groundwork for all the success.

"He created Showtime," Nixon said. "That should never be forgotten. Jack McKinney created Showtime."

Related: Pat Riley considered a return to the Lakers but "was never pursued": "I have thought only from a sentimental standpoint"