9781422284209

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Magic Starts at Center

Ten years later, a new crop of Lakers was once again in the finals, this time led by the next great franchise big man, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In his fifth season in L.A., Abdul-Jabbar had the Lakers in the finals for the first time since he arrived. The biggest difference that season was the addition of rookie sensation point guard Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the Lakers’ first overall draft pick. With the series against Philadelphia tied at 2-2, Abdul-Jabbar badly sprained his ankle in the Lakers’ game five win. With Abdul-Jabbar out for game six, Laker coach Paul Westhead turned to his 6'9" (2.1 m) rookie point guard to start at center in his place. The results were pure Magic. Johnson scored 42 points, at one point or another during the game playing all five positions. Johnson also added 15 rebounds and seven assists in the 123-107 win. Johnson became the only rookie in league history to be named the finals' most valuable player (MVP).

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