In 1988-89 the Detroit Pistons swept the Lakers 4-0. Joe Dumars hounded Magic Johnson on defense and was named Finals MVP, launching the Bad Boys' championship era.
In 1987 Finals Game 4, Magic finished with a sky-hook-style toss for a near-buzzer win. The "baby hook" became an NBA classic and a tribute to his mentor Kareem.
Kareem and Magic Johnson's inside-out combo anchored 1980s Lakers Showtime—one big, one small, complementary to five titles.
In 1986-87 the Lakers beat the Celtics 4-2. Magic Johnson hit a "baby hook" near-buzzer in Game 4 and won his first Finals MVP.
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.
In the "all-time best point guard" discussion, Paul sits near the top. This article maps his coordinates against Magic, Stockton and Curry.
With Kareem injured, rookie Magic Johnson started at center in Game 6 of the 1980 Finals, posting 42 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists to win the title and the Finals MVP.
Behindthe1982titlelaytherealityMagicJohnsonboiledoutofyearsofobsessionandeffort.
Inthe1982Finals,MagicJohnsondefineddominantperformanceinhisownway.Thedeep-rooted
After 1980, Magic, Kareem and Worthy under Pat Riley played a fast, flashy Showtime brand of basketball. The Lakers won five titles in the 1980s and reshaped the league’s entertainment value.
No elite bounce, yet Dončić rules with rhythm, vision and the step-back — the one-and-only "Luka Magic."
Drafted No. 1 in 1992, Shaq rose fast in Orlando and reached the 1995 Finals — losing to Houston, but signaling a king was coming.