No one can deny the achievements of “The Logo” Jerry West. But Magic Johnson helped take the Lakers’ franchise to new heights in the 1980’s. And considering the stroke of magic it took for the Los Angeles Lakers to get the top pick in the 1979 NBA Draft, it only buffers the following points. Magic Johnson is their greatest ever draft pick. He’s arguably their greatest player of all-time.
Johnson’s impact was felt immediately during his rookie season. The Lakers held a 3-2 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980 NBA Finals. They asked their rookie guard to play center in place of injured superstar big man Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. How did he do? Johnson put up 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists to lead the Lakers to their seventh NBA crown.
Magic became the maestro of the “Showtime Lakers” and directed one of the most devastating offensive attacks ever seen. He won five championships, three Finals MVP’s, and three league MVP’s during his illustrious career. Magic was also selected to 12 All-Star teams and 10 All-NBA teams. His rivalry with Larry Bird helped grow the NBA’s mainstream popularity. Johnson also won legions of fans with his infectious smile and marketable personality.
Magic Johnson is widely considered as the greatest point guard in NBA history. Many will tell you he’s in the conversation for greatest players ever, period. Magic’s prime playing days were cut short was he was diagnosed with HIV before the 1991-92 season. He remains one of the most beloved figures in all of basketball and currently serves as President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers.