5. Jerry West Hits From Way Downtown
On April 29, 1970, ‘Mr. Clutch’ delivered another classic moment in the NBA Finals. With one second left to tie the score against the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, West made a 63-foot heave from beyond half-court to send the game into overtime. Despite the fact that the Knicks would end up winning in overtime and eventually be crowned NBA champions later in the series, this moment stands out as one of the greatest memories in the NBA Finals history for the Lakers franchise.
4. Lakers Defeat Celtics In Game 7 On Their Home Floor In 2010 NBA Finals
The Lakers and Celtics topped off one of the most epic NBA Finals series with an amazing Game 7. Despite struggling for the majority of the game, Kobe Bryant came along in the fourth quarter and helped lead the Lakers to one of the most important victories in the franchise’s history. The Lakers had historically struggled against the Celtics in Game 7s during the NBA Finals. The two teams had faced off in the epic scenario four previous times, with the Celtics emerging as the victor at the end of each series. Needless to say, this victory meant a lot to Lakers fans from all generations, as a hate for the Celtics is something that all have in common.
3. Baylor Sets NBA Finals Points Record
Elgin Baylor gave a playoff performance of the ages when he scored 61 points and grabbed 22 rebounds in the Boston Garden against the Celtics in Game 5 of the 1962 NBA Finals. Baylor awed the Boston crowd with his amazing offensive skill and ability to score the ball with ease. Despite the fact that the Lakers ended up losing the series and an opportunity to win an NBA Championship, that scoring performance still remains a Finals record to this day.
2. Magic’s Baby Sky Hook Against The Celtics In 1987
In Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals, Magic Johnson made one of the most difficult difficult shots in NBA history. With the opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 lead over the Boston Celtics, the Lakers gave the ball to their star player on the final possession of the game. Trailing by one point, Magic forced Kevin McHale to switch on to him after receiving a screen from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Rather than dishing the ball inside to Kareem, who had the advantage with a smaller defender, Magic took matters into his own hands, went inside the paint and shot a remarkable hook shot over Celtics center Robert Parish. The shot is forever known as the “junior sky hook,” and will often be remembered as one of the greatest playoff moments in the storied history of the Los Angeles Lakers.
1. Magic Johnson Plays All Five Positions
In the 1980 NBA Finals, Magic Johnson placed himself into Laker lore by way of his Game 6 performance. With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out due to a severe ankle sprain, Magic made it his duty to do whatever he could to lead his team to a championship. The rookie started in place for Kareem at the center position and delivered one of the best performances that has been seen in the NBA Finals — 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists.
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