Three-Ring Circus by Jeff Pearlman

Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty

By Jeff Pearlman

Three-Ring Circus is the explosive true story of the Los Angeles Lakers’ dynasty between 1996 and 2004, an era defined by excellence—and dysfunction. With bestselling sports journalist Jeff Pearlman’s signature behind-the-scenes reporting, this riveting narrative dives into the volatile relationship between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal and the masterful, often meddlesome leadership of Coach Phil Jackson.

From locker room brawls and front-office drama to championship victories and ego clashes, Pearlman captures the fragile chemistry that powered one of the most electrifying teams in NBA history. The Lakers’ journey is not just about basketball glory, but about ambition, betrayal, and the struggle to unify a team in the face of massive personalities and pressure. For fans of sports dynasties, this is essential reading.

Awards & Praise:
Jeff Pearlman is the acclaimed author of Showtime and Boys Will Be Boys, both New York Times bestsellers. Three-Ring Circus was named a top sports book of the year by numerous outlets, praised for its candor and detail.

Recommended Titles:
Fans of this book will also enjoy Showtime by Jeff Pearlman, Eleven Rings by Phil Jackson, and The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant.