Before we start the 1969 Finals we must get the context of what happend. Here are quotes from Tom Hawkens and Wilt Chamberlain about that season.
The Butch-Wilt feud polarized not only the 1969 Lakers but the town.
Chamberlain used to rip Van Breda Kolff in the Herald Examiner, which became known as “Wilt’s paper.”
VBK used to rip Wilt in The Times, which became known as “Butch’s paper.” Heaven knows what might have been possible if they’d had minicams in those days.
“We were said to be the greatest assemblage of superstars ever,” says Hawkins.
“We were never a team. Wilt and Elgin never blended in their styles of play”
“Jerry was imperturbable. He did what he did despite Wilt’s presence.”
Chamberlain says in reply to Hawkins comments
Chamberlain says.
“I name those three guys because to me, they were somewhat of the culprits.
When I was with San Francisco, I understand I had a chance to come to the Lakers but the general manager had a private vote and they vetoed it.
And I fully understand that. Because I was the star of the NBA.
Elgin Baylor was maybe second to me, and Jerry West was closing in.
And I don’t think they wanted anybody to top their situation. Plus, monetarily there might have been a difference.
“I was the only one asked and forced to change his game.
They didn’t ask Jerry West to change his game.
They didn’t ask Elgin Baylor to change his game.
“The record books can prove I changed my game. I’m the only guy who could hit a home run who was asked to hit a single because it would help my teammates by not making them look bad.
“They’d say, ‘Elgin drives to the basket, so get Wilt out of the middle.’ What’s the difference who puts the ball in the basket?
If I’m putting the ball in the basket at a higher percentage than anyone in the game, I belong in the middle, not Elgin.
I gave up scoring a lot more points to pass the ball to the likes of Keith Erickson.
And I’m not down on Keith Erickson, I’m just using his name.
“Then they’ve got this . . . idiot of a coach. He wasn’t an idiot as a coach, he was a good coach.
He was just an idiot as far as personalities were concerned.
It was just hard for me to look up to a man who’d go out and get drunk every night. I had no respect for the man.”
