One of just three players to earn league MVP three times and Finals MVP three times, he’s the original “Unicorn,” who possessed the size and skill even as a rookie to fill in at center in game six of the 1980 NBA Finals. In 12 seasons, led the Lakers to at least the Conference Finals 10 times, to the NBA Finals eight times, and to five championships. Made a shocking retirement announcement in 1991 at age 32, then came back to earn a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic Dream Team in 1992
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When the game was theirs: Eight crucial games that defined the Bird vs. Magic rivalry
Their rivalry is still the pinnacle of the NBA for many, and their subsequent friendship still inspires. As we approach the 30th anniversary of their final NBA match-up, we take a look back at the eight most unforgettable games involving…
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- All-time NBA leader in career assists per game
- Announcing his retirement due to contracting HIV
- Appearance in “The Weapon Rap” Converse commercial
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As Lakers legend
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- As television broadcaster
- “Baby sky hook” (game four, 1987 NBA Finals)
- Coaching the Lakers
- Comeback from retirement
- Co-author of the book When the Game Was Ours
- Debut NBA game
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (1990)
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1990)
- Feuding with coach Paul Westhead
- Final game vs. Larry Bird
- In 1979 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Nicknamed “Magic”
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- On ’84-’85 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- On ’86-’87 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- One of the greatest players of the ’80s
- Replaced by Sedalle Threatt
- Rivalry with Larry Bird
- Signature Converse Weapon shoe
- Taking over as starting center in game six of the 1980 NBA Finals
- Winner of an NCAA title, NBA title, and Olympic gold medal
- Winning Finals MVP in a controversial voting (1982)