LA Sports Hub
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: Top 30 greatest players of all-time

By Ben Beecken

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the first half while taking on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the first half while taking on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
29 of 30
Next
Los Angeles Lakers, Magic Johnson
(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

20. . Guard. Los Angeles Lakers. Magic Johnson. 2. player

  • 13 seasons with Lakers (1979-91, 1995-96)
  • Averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game
  • 11x All-Star, 3x MVP, 5x NBA champion with Lakers

Magic Johnson was drafted as a 20-year-old out of Michigan State after a dominant two seasons in the Big Ten. And he stepped right in and was named an All-Star in his first season in the NBA.

Johnson averaged 18 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists as the 1979-80 Lakers won the NBA title in Magic’s rookie season. He battled through injuries in Year Two, only playing in 37 games, but made the All-Star team each of the next 10 seasons, keying the 1980s Lakers dynasty that ultimately won five championships in nine seasons.

Magic was a revelation, initiating a potent Lakers at offense at 6-foot-9. He had unparalleled vision in the open court but was more than content to back down his defender and either score in the post or dish to a cutting teammate or an open spot-up shooter.

Johnson was a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player, winning the award in 1987, 1989, and 1990 before retiring after the 1990-91 campaign after contracting the HIV virus. Ag age 31, Johnson was at the peak of his powers and shook the sports universe with his announcement.

Despite missing the 1991-92 season, Magic made an emotional appearance in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, scoring 25 points and dishing out nine assists in 29 minutes. After four years away from the game, Johnson returned to appear in 32 games in 1996-96, putting up career-lows of 14.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. As a 36-year-old who hadn’t played in nearly five years, those numbers were still extremely impressive.

Magic is, of course now involved with the Lakers as the president of basketball operations, and has been very successful in business since his retirement. He still owns a portion of MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

Home/Lakers All-Time Lists