Watch Touched by Gold: '72 Lakers

Touched by Gold: '72 Lakers is a captivating documentary that takes viewers back in time to the summer of 1972, when the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team made history by winning the NBA championship. Directed by Jim Fields, the movie tells the story of how this talented group of players overcame incredible obstacles to achieve their ultimate goal.

The documentary is structured around interviews with the players themselves, as well as archival footage from the time. It starts with a look at the Lakers' heartbreaking loss in the previous year's finals, which left them feeling demoralized and determined to come back and win it all. From there, we see the team's ups and downs throughout the grueling season as they battle injuries, egos, and tough opponents.

One of the standout elements of Touched by Gold: '72 Lakers is the way it highlights the personalities of the players. We get to see firsthand how each of them contributed to the team's success, both on and off the court. There's Jerry West, the legendary guard known for his clutch shooting and fierce competitiveness, who was nearing the end of his career but still had a burning desire to win. There's also Wilt Chamberlain, the imposing center whose larger-than-life persona both intimidated and inspired his teammates.

The documentary also gives us insights into the team's strategy and coaching. We see how coach Bill Sharman implemented a new system that emphasized teamwork and ball movement, which played to the strengths of his players. And we get to hear from assistant coach Bill Bertka, who helped devise the Lakers' game plan for the championship series.

But Touched by Gold: '72 Lakers is not just a sports movie. It's a fascinating portrait of a pivotal moment in American history, when the country was grappling with issues of race, politics, and social change. The Lakers were a diverse group of players who came from different backgrounds and had different perspectives on the world, but they were united in their pursuit of a common goal. We see how they navigated these complicated issues both on and off the court, and how their success brought joy and inspiration to people from all walks of life.

Above all, Touched by Gold: '72 Lakers is a celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and the power of sports to bring people together. It's a movie that will appeal not just to basketball fans, but to anyone who loves a great underdog story or an inspiring tale of human achievement. Whether you're reliving the glory days of the Lakers or discovering this incredible team for the first time, this documentary is a must-see.

Touched by Gold: '72 Lakers is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes.