260K views · 5.3K reactions | On this day 50 years ago: The Lakers delivered Los Angeles its first NBA title  | Los Angeles Lakers | Facebook

When Rookie Magic Saved the Lakers 🏆🪄 In the 1980 NBA Finals, the Lakers faced a crisis, star center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was sidelined with an injury. Enter rookie Magic Johnson, just 20 years old, stepping up in the biggest moment of his life. Starting at center, a position he rarely played, Magic delivered a jaw-dropping performance: 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading the Lakers to the NBA title. 🏀 His versatility, fearlessness, and sheer basketball IQ turned what could have bee

🏀On May 16, 1980 Lakers rookie guard of Earvin "Magic" Johnson filled in at center for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and came up with 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals as Los Angeles won the NBA title by beating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-107 in Game 6 of the Finals. Magic sank all 14 of his free throw attempts to set a Finals record and he was named the Finals MVP. Johnson’s 42 points were the most scored by a rookie in an NBA Finals game. Jamaal Wilkes added 37 points for the L