What Happened to The Showtime Lakers (1980s Los Angeles Lakers)?

The 'Showtime' era of the Los Angeles Lakers, spanning from 1979-80 to 1990-91, was defined by an exhilarating, up-tempo style of play and a vibrant connection to Hollywood entertainment, largely orchestrated by owner Jerry Buss. This period saw the Lakers win five NBA championships, fueled by the transcendent talents of Magic Johnson, the enduring dominance of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the strategic coaching of Pat Riley. The team's success and flamboyant image captivated audiences, renewing rivalries, particularly with the Boston Celtics.

The Showtime era effectively ended after the Lakers lost the 1991 NBA Finals to the Chicago Bulls, followed by Magic Johnson's shocking announcement on November 7, 1991, that he had tested positive for HIV and was retiring from basketball. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had already retired in 1989 at age 42, concluding a storied 20-year career as the NBA's all-time leading scorer. Pat Riley, after stepping down as Lakers coach in 1990, went on to coach the New York Knicks and later the Miami Heat, where he won another NBA championship in 2006 and currently serves as the team's President.

In the decades since, the key figures of the Showtime Lakers have forged diverse and impactful post-playing careers. Magic Johnson has become a highly successful entrepreneur and investor, building a business empire valued at over a billion dollars by 2024/2026. His Magic Johnson Enterprises holds stakes in various ventures, and he is a minority owner of multiple professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC, Washington Commanders, and Washington Spirit. Johnson is also actively pursuing a majority ownership stake in a potential NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has established himself as a respected author, historian, filmmaker, and cultural commentator, consistently advocating for social justice. He has announced two new books set for release in 2025, continuing his prolific writing career. Michael Cooper, a defensive stalwart of the Showtime era, was named the head men's basketball coach at Cal State LA on April 8, 2026, following a coaching career that included stints in the WNBA and G-League.

The Lakers franchise itself has seen significant changes in ownership. Following Dr. Jerry Buss's death in 2013, his 66% controlling ownership passed to his six children via a trust, with Jeanie Buss designated as the team's governor. However, the family's control has diminished. In late 2025, a majority stake in the Lakers was sold to Mark Walter for $10 billion. This was followed by another monumental sale in August 2026, where Walter sold his majority ownership to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner for a record $12.5 billion. As of September 1, 2026, Jeanie Buss remains the Lakers' Governor, but she is engaged in a legal battle with her five siblings who are attempting to sell their remaining 17.8% stake in the team, a move she is contesting in court.