43 Years Ago Today, Rookie Guard Magic Johnson Had To Play Center In The NBA Finals And Became A Legend

Photo Credit: Manny Millan-Sports Illustrated

On May 16, 1980, Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Magic Johnson filled in at center for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals.

Magic was able to score an insane 42 points, while adding 15 rebounds and seven assists as the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA title by beating Philadelphia 123-107.

Johnson sank all 14 of his free throw attempts to set a Finals record and he was named the Finals MVP, with his 42 points being the most scored by a rookie in an NBA Finals game.