1980 NBA Finals Lakers Beat 76ers with MVP Magic

The 1980 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association’s 1979-1980 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers four games to two in the Finals. The Lakers earned their seventh NBA championship, second since moving from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Watch Rookie Johnson Magic in 1980 NBA Finals Game 6, Lakers at 76ers

Magic Johnson of the Lakers became the first and the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award, leading the Lakers to a clinching victory in Game 6 with 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists. With center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out with a severely sprained ankle, Johnson started at center in his stead, and ultimately played all five positions on the court during the game.