The 5 Greatest Los Angeles Lakers of All Time - The Cheat Sheet
In Southern California, Laker games at the Forum and Staples Center are always a “see and be seen” event – for Hollywood celebrities, wealthy businessmen, and high-powered bureaucrats. For years, the product out on the floor featured dominant big men, graceful wing players, and of course, savvy coaching and motivational tactics from the likes of leading men Pat Riley and Phil Jackson. Magic Johson At 6-foot-9, Earvin “Magic” Johnson was the rare NBA athlete who could play all five positions at a high level, most notably when he subbed in for Kareem Abdul-Jabaar at center, in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals as a 20-year-old rookie. That evening, Johnson went on to rack up 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, a performance that helped him claim Finals MVP honors in a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Magic’s true gift arrived when assistant coach Pat Riley was promoted to the head coach position. In all, Magic closed out his 13-year career having averaged, 20 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds per game and finished with five championships to his credit, too. Source: www.cheatsheet.com
