Los Angeles Lakers: Biggest enemies of the 1980s

2. Philadelphia 76ers

At the beginning of the decade the top team in the East was the Philadelphia 76ers.  Led by the high flying “Dr. J”  Julius Erving the Sixers faced off three times against the Lakers starting in 1980.  The 1980 NBA Finals signaled the emergence of the Magic Johnson and the “Showtime” Lakers.  In Game 6 leading the series 3-2 the Lakers were without Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who was felled by an ankle injury from Game 5.

With Abdul-Jabbar back in Los Angeles, Magic a 20 year old rookie is inserted as the starting center.  He went on to score 42 points to go along with 15 rebounds and 7 assists, clinching the championship and kick starting a dynasty.

In 1982 the Lakers and 76ers met once again for the NBA title again the Lakers won the series in six games.  The Lakers proved to be too tough an opponent, even bringing in hall of famer Bob McAdoo and getting vital scoring punch off the bench.  McAdoo proved his worth in game 6 when he made a come from behind shot block on Erving erasing the 76ers last chance to make it a close game.

In 1983 the Lakers faced the 76ers again but this time the 76ers had Moses Malone at center, Malone won both the regular season MVP and NBA Finals MVP as the Lakers were swept in four games.  The Lakers were missing rookie James Worthy who broke his leg before the playoffs started and shooting guard Norm Nixon was felled by  injuries as well.  The Sixers and Lakers would not meet again in the Finals until 2001.