Fansided

30 players who define each NBA franchise

By Adam McGee

Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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PG. Los Angeles Lakers 1979-91, 1995-96. Magic Johnson. #32. player. 20.

Honorable Mentions: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant

Oct 28, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers former player Magic Johnson in attendance during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers former player Magic Johnson in attendance during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Much like with the Celtics, how are you supposed to pick the player who defines the great Los Angeles Lakers? Well, pretty easily, to be honest. The Lakers exemplify Hollywood and the showbiz side of the NBA, and one man stands astride in Lakers history as the greatest showman of all.

Magic Johnson revolutionized basketball. His Lakers teams played with a style, creativity and ease that the game had never seen before. They weren’t just a basketball team; they were must-see TV. In Magic Johnson’s hands Show Time was born, and the NBA would never be the same again.

Magic was blessed with the same sort of skill and talent that the best point guards who had played before him displayed, but at a height of 6’9″.

I don’t think there will ever be another 6’9” point guard who smiles while he humiliates you. – James Worthy

Johnson could play every spot on the floor when called upon, and did exactly that en route to five titles with the Purple and Gold. He is the perfect embodiment of the league’s flashiest organization.

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