1980 NBA Finals Game 6 Magic Johnson MVP

Lore & Background

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the league's MVP, but in Game 5 he suffered a severely sprained ankle. He returned in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers to a 3–2 series lead. Abdul-Jabbar did not travel to Philadelphia for Game 6 and was listed as doubtful if a Game 7 had been needed. In Game 6, rookie Magic Johnson started at center, played all five positions, and scored 42 points with 15 rebounds and 7 assists, leading the Lakers to the title. Jamaal Wilkes added 37 points and 10 rebounds. Johnson's performance earned him the 1980 NBA Finals MVP. This was the first NBA Finals to use the three-point line.

In Their Own Story

The locker room hummed with nervous energy before tip-off at The Forum. Magic sat quietly, staring at his shoes, knowing Kareem was on the bench. Coach Westhead looked him dead in the eye and said, 'You're starting.' No hesitation, no fear. Magic stood up, tied his laces tight, and walked onto that hardwood floor like he owned it.

Reader's Guide

The Lakers' victory is considered the birth of Showtime. The 76ers were led by Julius Erving, who executed his legendary Baseline Move in Game 4. The series was the first of ten NBA Finals in the 1980s, all featuring either the Lakers or the Boston Celtics.

Did You Know?

• The 1980 championship was the Lakers' seventh NBA title, not their first since moving to Los Angeles; they had previously won in 1972.
• Magic Johnson was a 20-year-old rookie who had left college after two years.
• Julius Erving's Game 4 Baseline Move is considered his most famous play.