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Los Angeles Lakers: Greatest NBA Finals performances in team history

By Jamaal Artis

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: A general view of the final shot of the Boston Celtics during their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: A general view of the final shot of the Boston Celtics during their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Number 1

  • Magic Johnson 1980 NBA Finals Game 6 vs. Philadelphia 76ers

  • PTS: 42 REB: 15 AST: 7 Game Score: 39.6

There is no doubt that the greatest individual performance in a NBA Finals belongs to Magic Johnson. Without their captain and best player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and up 3-2 in the series in Philadelphia, most pundits thought the series was coming back to Los Angeles for a game seven.

Magic stepped in to play center for Kareem and lead the Lakers to a 123-107 championship clinching win. At 20 years old Magic played out of this world leading the Lakers to their first of five championships for the decade, and he did this all as rookie.

Not only was it one of the greatest performances in Lakers history but it is arguably one of the greatest moments in NBA history. To this day no Laker has matched Magic’s game score of 39.6 in a Finals game.

Next. Top 30 players in Lakers history. dark

With his performance, Magic won the Finals MVP still the only rookie to do so and he helped usher in the NBA’s latest dynasty and a golden age for the NBA. That is why Magic deserves the top spot on our list.

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