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Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers’ all-time starting lineup

By Jonathan Kiernan

LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Kobe Bryant (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers holds the Larry O'Brian trophy as teammate Shaquille O'Neal (L) hold the MVP trophy after winning the NBA Championship against Indiana Pacers 19 June, 2000, after game six of the NBA Finals at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The Lakers won the game 116-111 to take the NBA title 4-2 in the best-of-seven series. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read AFP/AFP/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Kobe Bryant (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers holds the Larry O'Brian trophy as teammate Shaquille O'Neal (L) hold the MVP trophy after winning the NBA Championship against Indiana Pacers 19 June, 2000, after game six of the NBA Finals at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The Lakers won the game 116-111 to take the NBA title 4-2 in the best-of-seven series. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read AFP/AFP/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Point Guard: Earvin “Magic” Johnson

1986-87 Season:  23.9PPG, 12.2APG, 6.3RPG. 65-win season. 1st MVP award. 4th Assist Title. Career-high in points. Beat Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals

Runner up: Gail Goodrich

No all-time list should ever be without Magic Johnson. End of story.

The Los Angeles Lakers became the brand they are today on the back of Dr. Jerry Buss and Magic Johnson. When Earvin “Magic” Johnson was drafted 1st overall in 1979 NBA Draft,  they knew they were getting a Superstar in the making, I don’t think they quite realized the once in a lifetime player they were getting.

Alongside former Lakers head coach Pat Riley,  Magic was able to bring a brand of basketball to the Lakers that is simply described as “Showtime” basketball.

An offense that is run at a breakneck pace with Magic Johnson as the spearhead of the attack. The Showtime offense was simple. Grab the rebound, give the ball to Magic and run as quickly you can up the floor because Magic was going to hit you with a no-look pass that would take the crowds breath away and you will get an easy bucket. Work hard on defense so Magic makes it easy for you on offense. A beautifully elegant yet simple game-plan that brought the Los Angeles Lakers 5 NBA Championships.

Along with his famous rival Boston Celtic’s legend Larry Bird, they are responsible for saving the NBA at a time when the league was in serious trouble with viewership and fan attendance.

In Magic Johnson, the Lakers had an anomaly. A 6″9 Point Guard who could run like a gazelle and make the most mind-blowing passes you have ever seen. Even to this day, Johnson’s passing ability is second to none in terms of sheer creativity and audacity.

Johnson offered a player who could play 1 through 5. Johnson proved this on the biggest stage in game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals. With an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sidelined, Johnson started at center and put up a stat-line for the ages as a ROOKIE!.  The Lakers won the game and the Championship and Johnson finished the game with a ridiculous 42 points, 15 rebound, and 7 assists.

Johnson would go on to win 5 rings with the Los Angeles Lakers and unquestionably put his name amongst the greatest players of all time.

Rightfully so.

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