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Ranking every NBA Champion from No. 72 to No. 1 — The Definitive List

By Staff

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defend their positions during Game One of the NBA Finals on May 30, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defend their positions during Game One of the NBA Finals on May 30, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Original Caption) Magic Johnson (r) wipes the face of Lakers’ owner Dr. Jerry Buss after he poured champagne over him after the Lakers beat the Sixers 123-107 to win here, 5/16.
(Original Caption) Magic Johnson (r) wipes the face of Lakers’ owner Dr. Jerry Buss after he poured champagne over him after the Lakers beat the Sixers 123-107 to win here, 5/16. /

20. 1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers

Over the span of two seasons, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird saved pro basketball and this season with the Lakers was vital to that resurrection. Magic and Bird had battled for the NCAA Championship during the 1978-79 season. That battle had captured the imagination of fans and then carried over into their respective NBA careers.

Magic showed the pair was truly transcendent by leading the Lakers to a title in his rookie season (Bird followed that with a title for Boston the next season). Playing next to the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jamaal Wilkes and Norm Nixon, Magic created what became known as Showtime with a fast-paced offense and electric style.

Magic’s no-look passes and incredible smile were a perfect match with the glitter-loving fans of L.A. If you blinked, you might miss something great when Magic had the ball in his hands. Combine that with the majestic play of Kareem and the smooth shooting of Wilkes and you had a phenomenal combination.

The Lakers won the first two series of the playoffs by 4-1 margins and then took on Philadelphia with its deep roster. The 76ers were the favorite going into the series, but the Lakers took a 3-2 lead after five games (three which were decided by five points or less). But Kareem suffered an ugly ankle injury in Game 5 and couldn’t play in Game 6. There were fears Kareem was done for the season and the series was lost.

Instead, coach Paul Westhead decided to put Magic at center and he responded with 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists in one of the greatest title-deciding performances of NBA history. In the process, Magic became only the fifth player to win NCAA and NBA titles in back-to-back seasons, joining Bill Russell, Henry Bibby, Billy Thompson and Arnie Ferrin,

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