Start of Showtime, NBA on the rise

Rise of a dynasty Cali style
running, high flying at the Forum
coinciding with my interest in ball
at least on the court filled with decorum

Professor Westhead with the run and gun
tailored made for flashing to the hoop
fast break so beautiful in execution
as if a video played on loop

Start with the “Cap”, Kareem Abdul Jabbar
most consistent scorer ever to play
don’t overlook defense and shot blocking
with a sky hook many a game did he save

Marty Byrnes tenure with the Lakers
brief so not a lot was known
but a six seven he could play forward
contributions in practice set a tone?

Jim Chones the big power forward
the bruiser and rebounding force
In his often lead the team in fouls
dirty work so others could stay on course

Micheal Cooper and my admitted bias
we share the same day of birth
flying high with dunks and defense
as if not from the Earth

Spencer Haywood the one sad part
for with all the talent in his game
chased that powder in addiction
and his game never was the same

Brad Holland a player under the radar
but who could come in and pop
a zip pass or a shot on the fly
changing the vibe keeping the team on top

The guy we know as Magic
breath taking passing so supreme
energy in spades and oh so contagious
for a teammate the ultimate dream

The other bruiser Mark Landsberger
rebounder and had the team’s back
when Kareem couldn’t play in the Finals
ensuring that winning wasn’t sidetracked

Butch Lee who sadly never was healthy  
after an injury damaging his knee
still helped challenge his teammates
practice sessions what a sight to see

Storming Norman Nixon the other part of the two headed fast break
if you blinked he would whip by you
waves of fast breaks causing back aches

Wrap it up with Jamaal Wilkes
twenty foot layup that smooth outside shot
consummate player said Coach Wooden
one of the nicest players in the lot

In six games the defeated the 76ers
leading Los Angeles to the promise land
Showtime would come back to glory
with Cap and Magic firmly in command