The Los Angeles Lakers have had incredible players during their honored history.
Magic Johnson is considered one of the greatest Lakers to ever exist.
The legendary point guard made his mark on the NBA during his time in the league.
Today marks the 44th anniversary of the Purple and Gold drafting Johnson in the 1979 NBA Draft.
The Greatest Point Guard in NBA history was drafted 44 years ago today #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/Tyf2GCVJHQ
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 25, 2023
NBA fans are remembering this moment; the day history changed for the Lakers and the entire NBA.
The @nba was saved as a league 44 years ago today. @MagicJohnson and #LarryBird saved American pro basketball. https://t.co/MBwFhsjZPv
— Derrick Slone (@DerrickSlone) June 25, 2023
Before my time but to me the Forever Lakers 🐐.
Defined a franchise, a sport and an era. Did it with a smile on his face while also being a savage competitor. 5 🏆’s.
He also would’ve *thrived* in our current era of #NBA hoops. He made every player better. https://t.co/UP491tnUVb
— Kyle Stack (@KyleStack) June 25, 2023
That Lakers fast break was fantastic!
— KAS (@sthose33) June 25, 2023
It’s wild to me that people overlook Magic and Bird in the Goat convo when there is only 1 year in the 80s that one or the other weren’t in the Finals.
— Jacob Deckard (@jacob_deckard) June 25, 2023
Greatest point guard by far. No question. ☺️
— ╰☆☆ ʲẸ𝓷ᑎ𝕚 ☆☆╮ (@BrowBron_) June 25, 2023
His rivalry with Larry Bird played a huge role in the league becoming a huge success in the United States, with many convinced the two legends saved the league in the 80s.
Johnson played his entire 13-season career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships, three NBA MVP awards, three Finals MVP awards, and becoming a 12-time All-Star in the process.
In 806 regular-season games with the Lakers, he averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds.
His flashy style of play and cool personality made him one of the most well-liked players in the world.
In 1996, Johnson was honored as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
He was also selected to the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team in 2021.
Johnson accomplished everything a player could dream of during his tenure in the NBA and his legend will never be forgotten.
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