Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: The Real Story Behind Spencer Haywood’s Plotting Against The Los Angeles Lakers
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > The Real Story Behind Spencer Haywood’s Plotting Against The Los Angeles Lakers

The Real Story Behind Spencer Haywood’s Plotting Against The Los Angeles Lakers

Despite his plan, Haywood never got himself to do it and he attributed the change of mind to his mother.

Aaron Abhishek
Jan 15, 2023
5 Min Read
Share

Credit: Fadeaway World

Spencer Haywood was part of the Los Angeles Lakers who won the 1980 NBA Finals by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, but he did have his issues with the team, mainly coach Paul Westhead.

Haywood’s cocaine addiction when the team was gunning for a championship came to the fore, and in HBO’s ‘Winning Time’, the team voted to have him kicked out.

The forward was a vital cog for the Seattle Supersonics, averaging 24.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. His impactful performances saw him make the All-NBA First Team in 1972 and 1973 and the All-NBA Second Team in 1974 and 1975. 

Soon after, he was traded to the New York Knicks in 1975 and then subsequently played for the New Orleans Jazz, the Lakers, and the Washington Bullets.

His cocaine issues saw Lakers coach Westhead dismiss him after he fell asleep during a practice session. In his column for People Magazine, Haywood outlined the real story:

I had been three games away from my life’s dream—an NBA championship, the ring, the parade, the glory—and I turned all my anger toward Westhead, who I felt had snatched it from me. I left the Forum and drove off in my Rolls that night thinking one thought—that Westhead must die. I drove through the streets plotting the man’s murder.

In the heat of anger and the daze of coke, I phoned an old friend of mine in Detroit, a guy named Gregory, a genuine certified gangster. I said, “C’mon out here, buddy. I got someone I want you to take care of.” He said, “No problem, Wood. Love to do that for you.” The next day Greg and his partner flew to L.A., ready to go to work. We sat down and figured it out. West-head lived in Palos Verdes, and we got his street address. We would sabotage his car, mess with his brake lining.

It was quite the plan, but Haywood never got himself to do it and he attributed the change of mind to his mother.


Spencer Haywood’s Mother Set Him Right After He Revealed His Plans Of Getting Back At The Lakers And Paul Westhead

Haywood’s plan of getting back at his teammates and Paul Westhead never materialized after he spoke to his mother who lived in Mississippi.

In his column, the forward explained that he didn’t reveal his plans to her, but she could sense something wasn’t right with her son.

I was still a very angry man, but a killer? I called my mother in Mississippi. She was dying of cancer at the time. We had always been close, and she had a strong hold on me. I didn’t tell her what I was planning, just that I was angry. She told me, “You’re up to something no good, aren’t you? You do anything bad, I’ll turn you in myself. I didn’t raise no fool.” She started calling me every 15 minutes, and we talked and talked. She got me straight, and I sent my buddies back to Detroit.

While Haywood had his share of issues, there was never a doubt about what he brought to the table as one of the more underrated players of the decade. He averaged 9.7 points, 4.6 points, and 1.2 rebounds with the Lakers, and ended his career averaging 20.3 rebounds, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His contribution to the game saw him inducted into the Hall of Fame in September 2015.

We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.

Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Los Angeles Lakers Archive
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByAaron Abhishek
Aaron Abhishek is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He graduated from St. Joseph's College with a Bachelor's in Visual Communication and a Master's in journalism.His passion for the sport began when he saw Michael Jordan take his final shot in the NBA, and he considers himself fortunate to have been a part of the Kobe Bryant era. Now he writes basketball news and analysis while waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers to win their 18th title.When not watching and writing basketball, you can find Aaron suited to play cricket, putting in some hard yards at the gym, trying a new coffee, and supporting Arsenal. Expertise: NBAFavorite Team: Los Angeles LakersPrevious Work: MEAWW, Blue Man Hoop, Sportskeeda
Previous Article Ranking The Top 10 Best Duos In NBA History
Next Article PJ Tucker Responds To Sixers Fans Criticizing Him For His Lack Of Scoring
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Stephen A. Smith Rips LeBron James Over Hennessy Ad: “I’ll Wonder If You Were Drinking Before The Game”

October 8, 2025
Spurs forward-center Victor Wembanyama poses for photos during Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center in San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs News & Analysis

Victor Wembanyama Grows Two Inches, Officially Listed At 7’5″ Now

October 8, 2025
Rockets forward Kevin Durant talks to media during Houston Rockets media day at Toyota Center
Houston Rockets News & Analysis

Kevin Durant On Russell Westbrook Potentially Joining Rockets: “That’ll Be Dope”

October 8, 2025
Celtics guard Jaylen Brown reacts to his three point basket against the Timberwolves during the second half at TD Garden
Boston Celtics News & Analysis

Jaylen Brown Believes He Can Lead The Celtics To The Playoffs: “I Have More Playoff Wins Than 15 Or 16 Teams”

October 8, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?