Lakers: Constructing the Franchise’s Mount Rushmore

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Magic Johnson has certainly left his mark on the Lakers organization on the court, and now is looking to make his mark as an executive. After a successful turnaround of the Los Angeles Dodgers, in which the team’s worth has gone from $800 million (2011) to $2.5 Billion (2016), Magic is looking to turn the Lakers back into winners.

Magic may be the best point guard to ever play the game of basketball, that is hard to deny. Had his career not been cut short, Johnson easily could have formulated a resume that would match-up against the all-time greats. Still, in his 12 and a half-year career Johnson won five titles, three MVP’s, and was selected onto 12 all-star teams.

Johnson in his prime was perhaps the most all-around player of not only his time but that we have ever seen. In his Prime Magic averaged around 20 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds a game. While Russell Westbrook may not be batting an eye, this was during the early years of the three-point line. Put Magic Johnson in the NBA today and I near guarantee he blows Westbrook’s numers out of the water.

It was a tragedy that Magic’s career got cut short. While I may have never seen him play live, just watching the fluidity and IQ of Johnson is a spectacle. One thing I did not know, however, was that Johnson returned after initially retiring.

In 1995-96 Johnson played 32 games at power forward. While he did not do great, it shows his ability as a point guard, with HIV, consistently playing power forward.