In year one of Boston’s Big Three, the Celtics beat the Lakers 4-2. Paul Pierce won Finals MVP, capping a decade in green.
Born Lew Alcindor, Kareem won three NCAA titles at UCLA, was the 1969 top pick, later changed his name and joined the Lakers. A 20-year career brought six championships.
The 1987 NBA Finals MVP was Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers. Verified against the official NBA list.
In 1979 Magic led Michigan State to the NCAA title, then was picked first overall by the Lakers, forming a core with Kareem and launching the Showtime era.
James Worthy played at North Carolina alongside Jordan, won the 1982 NCAA title, then was drafted first overall by the Lakers, launching the Showtime era.
In 1984-85 the Lakers beat the Celtics 4-2 in revenge. The 38-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar averaged 25.7 and won Finals MVP, the oldest ever.
The 1988 NBA Finals MVP was James Worthy of the Los Angeles Lakers. Verified against the official NBA list.
The 1989 NBA MVP was Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers. Verified against the official NBA list.
The 1990 NBA MVP was Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers. Verified against the official NBA list.
By 1982, at age 22, Magic already held two rings and two Finals MVPs. He redefined the ceiling of the point guard and opened the prologue of the Lakers dynasty.
O’Neal joined in 1996; Phil Jackson’s triangle arrived in 1999; the 2000 title opened LA’s new-century dynasty.