Magic Johnson's 1980 Finals MVP Run
The greatest point guard of all time and a five-time NBA champion with the Lakers.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. (born August 14, 1959) is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. He is widely regarded as the greatest point guard of all time and one of the greatest basketball players in history. Johnson spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After winning a national championship with the Michigan State Spartans in 1979, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers, then led the team to five NBA championships during their "Showtime" era.
Quick Facts
- Player
- Magic Johnson
- Affiliation
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Award
- NBA Finals MVP
- Finals opponent
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Status
- Retired Legend
Lore & Background
Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. He retired again after fellow players protested his return, but returned in 1996, at age 36, to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time. He holds the NBA records for average assists per game in the regular season (11.19) and in the playoffs (12.35 assists per game). He also holds the NBA playoffs records for most career assists and triple-doubles.
Reader's Guide
It states he holds the NBA playoffs records for most career assists and triple-doubles, but does not specify a triple-double average for any particular playoff run.
Did You Know?
- Johnson was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
- He is a two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame—enshrined in 2002 for his individual career and as a member of the Dream Team in 2010.
- Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.
- He has won 16 championships during his career: one in college, five as an NBA player, and ten as an owner.
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