This Week In Lakers History: Magic Johnson Fills In At Center In 1980 Finals

Even amongst the greatest NBA legends to ever play the game, very few can say they won their team an NBA championship in their rookie season. Magic Johnson is someone who can.

— Think You Know Everything About The 1980’s Lakers? Take The Ultimate Fan Quiz! —

The first pick of the 1979 draft, Johnson immediately became a focal point of the Lakers and, along with reigning MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, led the team to their first NBA Finals since 1973.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar suffered a serious ankle injury in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Suddenly, the team was without the 33 points, 13 rebounds, and nearly five blocks that Kareem was giving them in the series.

But that is why they call him Magic. On May 16, 1980, Johnson would start at center, play all five positions, and total 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists in the Lakers 123-107 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

The win clinched the Lakers’ seventh NBA Championship, and the first for Magic, who was named NBA Finals MVP for his performance.

Lakers Nation Store Is Back! Check Out The Latest Gear!

This week, we remember Magic Johnson for his legendary performance in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals.

If you want to re-live the game, or have never seen it yourself, check it out below via the NBA’s official YouTube page:

____________________________________________________________________________
Top 5 Lakers NBA Finals Moments


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

You May Also Like

Lakers Free Agency News: Julius Randle Removed Emotion Over Not Receiving Contract Extension

Julius Randle had somewhat of a roller coaster ride for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. Despite starting only…

Lakers News: Luol Deng Available For Tonight’s Game Vs. Nuggets

The Lakers were without four players for their first preseason game on Saturday…

Lakers Rumors & News: Kobe Plans Special Announcement on Faecbook

After suffering the season-ending Achilles injury, Kobe Bryant had to take some…

Lakers News: Lonzo Ball Won’t Return Until After All-Star Break, Unlikely To Play In Rising Stars Challenge

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton confirmed Lonzo Ball will not play for the team before NBA All-Star weekend…