Between Dynasties

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...
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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.