When Did It Happen: Game 6, 1980 NBA Finals
Magic Johnson’s Stats: 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists, 14-of-14 from the line. Most Gen Xers remember the spectacular “wraparound” reverse layup that Julius “Dr. J.” Erving did that has yet to be duplicated or bettered 32 years later. But this was Magic Johnson’s rookie year and the beginning of his legend. The 20-year-old Michigan State product played five positions after Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar got injured in the previous game and clinched the championship for the Lakers. He is only the 2nd person to ever win an NCAA and NBA championship in consecutive years.
At the age of just 20 years old, Magic Johnson showed NBA fans that he was ready to have one of the most exciting and productive careers in NBA history.
