The 14 greatest playoff games in Lakers franchise history

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson (L) talks to Kobe Bryant (R) and Derek Fisher (C) during their game against the Sacramento Kings 02 June 2002, during the second half of game seven of the Western Conference Finals at ARCO Arena in Sacramento, CA. The Lakers won the game 112-106 and will take on the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals starting 05 June. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo by JEFF HAYNES / AFP) (Photo by JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson (Photo by: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

10. 1987 NBA Finals Game 4: Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

Getting over the hump of beating the Boston Celtics in the 1985 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves right back in a familiar position in 1987. And with a 2-1 series lead, the Lakers had a chance to take a stranglehold on the series. And for much of Game 4, it appeared that the Celtics were going to battle back and tie the series at two games apiece to set up a pivotal Game 5.

But the Lakers used a strong second half and specifically an outstanding fourth quarter to come out on top. With two minutes left in the game, the Celtics lead by seven points. However, the Lakers would close the quarter on an 11-3 run to pull in front of Boston to secure a 3-1 series lead. Game 4 was punctuated by a baby sky hook by Magic Johnson that will live forever in Lakers’ history.

Magic finished with 29 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. James Worthy added 21 points and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar chipped in 16 points and 11 rebounds.

The Lakers would go on to close out the Celtics in Game 6 which clinched the team’s fourth championship in eight years. Los Angeles would go on to repeat as NBA Champions the following season by beating the Detroit Pistons, a culmination of a dominating decade for the Lakers.

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