The Anthology: Magic Johnson

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History happens when legends reveal what they’re capable of. Short-handed in a pivotal 1980 NBA Finals matchup, first-year Los Angeles Lakers point guard Magic Johnson puts his acclaimed versatility to the test under the brightest lights his sport has to offer. Filling in for a superstar teammate at the center position, the 20-year-old rookie holds his own matched up against a formidable Philadelphia 76ers frontcourt, grinding and battling his way to an iconic Game 6 victory. Johnson’s instant classic 42-point, 15-rebound, seven-assist performance on May 16, 1980 gave the franchise its first of five titles in an unforgettable nine-year stretch.

Magic Johnson

As predictably as the rising sun, Los Angeles Lakers megastar Magic Johnson saved his best for the Boston Celtics. Down by a single point in the final seconds of a 1987 NBA Finals rematch on December 11, 1987, Johnson knew exactly where he needed to catch the rock out of an inbound scheme in order to silence his long-time rivals. Cutting backdoor against a defender on the perimeter, the 6-foot-9 legend corrals an inbound pass in stride, leaps off one leg and buries a go-ahead bucket off glass. For Johnson, it was two points in an 18-point, eight-rebound, 17-assist masterpiece, a regular-season triumph worth a celebratory walk-off; for his cross-country foes, a stark reminder of the purple and gold dynasty that dominated so much of the previous decade.

Good playmakers see the future before it happens, iconic ones see it all in slow motion. Outnumbered in transition after sprinting for a long rebound, Los Angeles Lakers point guard Magic Johnson coordinates a two-man attack flanked by Phoenix Suns defenders. Eager to drop a dime to the teammate pushing the pace on his right, Johnson neutralizes three checks by advancing the ball himself, wraps the ball around his body from his strong side then scoops it under-handed with his left just in time for an emphatic poster. Johnson finished the March 19, 1985 battle with 24 points, six rebounds and 10 assists.

Put the ball in Magic Johnson’s hands, then sit back and enjoy the show. Hit in the frontcourt with an outlet pass, the Los Angeles Lakers star sets out to tantalize the Forum faithful as only he knows how. Downhill with momentum, Johnson baits a San Antonio Spurs defense with a pass fake to the left of his body, then seamlessly pulls the ball back on an invisible platter just in time to offload a dime to a teammate on his right. Johnson racked up 14 points, eight rebounds, 13 dimes and a highlight for the history books in the January 4, 1988 contest.

Rookie Start at Center in the Finals ('79/'80)

The Anthology: Magic Johnson

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