Magic Johnson Throwback Lakers Jersey and NBA Biography

Magic Johnson Throwback Jersey and NBA Biography

Long before the 1979 season even began, everybody knew who Ervin "Magic" Johnson was. As a joyous, bubbly, and talented sophomore guard at Michigan State, he had just led his team to the NCAA title in from of a National audience. Despite the fact that everybody knew that Magic would make waves in the pros, nobody anticipated the overwhelming effect he would have on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA.

Magic Johnson immediately took control of the Lakers offense as if he had a "Magic" wand. The Lakers improved their record by 13 games and led the team to their first appearance in the NBA finals in 7 year. In the finals the Lakers faced the red hot Philadelphia 76ers, who were led by the legendary Julius Erving. After 5 games the Los Angeles Lakers took a 3-2 lead, but their luck had apparently run out. Kareem Abdul Jabbar sprained his ankle and couldn't play. Nobody gave Los Angeles a chance without Kareem in game 6 and 7. The had nobody to guard Philadelphia's low post centers, nobody to rebound, and nobody to score underneath the basket on offense.

In a surprising move, Magic Johnson, who was a career point guard, volunteered to play center in Game 6. For the entire game (47 minutes played), Magic used his quickness and tenacity to outmaneuver the 76ers on both ends of the floor. He dominated under the basket with scoop shots and hooks, using spins and stutter ste=ps to gain position under the boards and found the open man when the 76ers tried to double team him. By the fourth quarter the 76ers were shocked when they looked up at the scoreboard and they were the ones who got blown out of the basketball game.

All in all, Magic Johnson pumped in 42 points, pulled down 15 boards, and handed out 7 assists. He stole three passes and was perfect from the free throwline (14-14=). At the young age of 20, Magic delivered one of the best performances in NBA history. He made a loud statement that shouted "There will be many more championship NBA basketball games to come in the future".

Los Angeles Lakers, Magic Johnson Throwback Jersey

This is Magic Johnson's Home Yellow Jersey that he wore during their games.

Mitchell & Ness Ervin ''Magic'' Johnson Los Angeles Lakers Authentic Throwback Jersey - Gold

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

A true champion is not only a great player, he is also someone who helps those around him perform better. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was both the dominant NBA basketball player of his era and one of those rare individuals who knew how to get the most out of his teammates. Even in his record 20th NBA season, Kareem could still inspire the Lakers to their fifth championship in nine years. When he finally retired after the 1989 season, he had amassed more points, more games, more playing time, more field goals and and more blocked shots than any player to grace the hardwood.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jerseys and Los Angeles Lakers Merchandise Online Store

No man ever brought to the center position the blend of power and finesse that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did. And never was there a more awesome, unstoppable shot than his famous "sky hook". Kareem would receive the ball at 10 to 15 feet out with his back to the basket. He would then roll two steps to either side before turning and shooting with a gentle motion. The result was nothing but net, as the agile big man actually shot downat the basket.

I bet you didn't know these amazing facts about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

• Kareem practiced yoga, martial arts and meditation during his career. He also kept his fingers nimble by pick-pocketing teammates for fun! Guard Byron Scott was his favorite target.

• When the colleges came recruiting, his suitors included Princeton and over 50 other top academic institutions.

• Of the many NBA basketball records owned by Kareem, perhaps the strangest is that he played with 123 different teamates during his career, including Pat Riley, who later became his coach.

• In his first game at UCLA, Kareem scored 56 points. He proved to be so unstoppable the first year that NCAA coaches voted to outlaw the dunk the following season!

• Being born Lew Alcindor, he converted to Islam at age 23 and took the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which means generous, powerful servant of Allah.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Highlights On the Basketball Court

• 3-Time NCAA Tournament MVP

• NBA Rookie of the Year, 1970

• 19 Time NBA All-Star Selection

• 6 Time NBA MVP

• Kareem Abdul Jabbar played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks

• Kareem played in 90 varsity games for UCLA and walked off the court a winner 88 times.

• He led the UCLA Bruins to three NCAA championships in a row.

Here is a quote by Red Auerbach when he was asked about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

"He was perhaps the most potent offensive weapon ever"