When did the NBA start awarding Finals MVP?

The NBA Finals MVP award began in 1969, with Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers becoming the first winner.

How is the NBA Finals MVP decided?

The Finals MVP is voted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters after the series, based on overall impact and performance.

Has a player from the losing team ever won Finals MVP?

Yes, Jerry West in 1969 is the only player to win Finals MVP while on the losing team.

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The Trade to Los Angeles: From Milwaukee to Showtime

FMVP Club

NBA

14 views07/02/2026, 04:45 ET

In 1975 Kareem was dealt to the Lakers, teaming with Magic Johnson to launch the 1980s Showtime five-title dynasty.

In 1975, already a champion and Finals MVP in Milwaukee, Kareem requested a move and was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal reshaped the NBA map: Kareem left snowy Milwaukee for sunshine and spotlights.

Early in LA he remained the league's steadiest weapon, but the team was unfinished. The turning point came in 1979: the Lakers took Magic Johnson first overall. A 7'2" elegant center paired with a 6'9" flashy point guard—a "big + playmaker" combo never seen before.

In the 1980 Finals, Magic's legend game at center (Kareem hurt, missed G6) rested on Kareem's dominance in earlier games. Then 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988—five titles, Showtime's pretty fast break sweeping the league. Kareem was the interior anchor of that dynasty.

He proved a superstar past 30 can still fit a new system and win new rings. The trade to LA was the start of Kareem's second spring.