Magic the Alchemist
How the effervescent superstar transformed the game
TRANSFORMING THE TEAM
In the ’77–’78 season The Los Angeles Lakers failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs. The following year they improved slightly but fell short in the second round. For a franchise with a rich history of success, it had been a frustrating seven years since their last chip.
Enter Dr. Jerry Buss, who in 1979, took over the helm as team owner. Buss, with a keen eye for greatness, saw something special in Magic Johnson despite already having a promising point guard in Norm Nixon. Buss’s gut feeling was clear though: Draft Magic. The rest, he believed, would fall into place. With a roster already featuring the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the defensive-minded Michael Cooper, and the tenacious Jamaal Wilkes, how hard could it be?
Johnson’s star rose quickly, jumping from a college phenom to a bona fide top-ten player of all time. Standing at 6'9", he defied conventional wisdom in his rookie season by becoming a co-starting point guard alongside Nixon. Critics were baffled by the idea of two starting point guards, especially one with the stature of a forward. The Lakers soared to a 60–22 record, finishing first in the West and securing a spot in the Finals.
“Magic is the best leader I’ve ever coached. The most unselfish player that I ever coached.” —Pat Riley
The season opener set the stage for Magic’s impact. In a nail-biting game against the Clippers, Magic dazzled with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s game-winning sky hook—with two seconds left on the clock—sealed the 103–102 victory. Magic’s exuberance was palpable as he sprinted to center court, mauling Kareem with a bear hug. Magic was celebrating like the Lakers had just won the NBA Finals. It didn’t matter that the team had 81 more games to play. Magic couldn’t contain his love for the game and his team. His infectious enthusiasm and savvy playmaking infused new life into the Lakers organization.TRANSFORMING THE LEAGUE
In the 1970s, college basketball reigned supreme, often overshadowing the pro game. But nothing could top the spectacle of the 1979 match up between Michigan State and Indiana State, where Magic Johnson faced off against Larry Bird. To this day the event is still one of the most-watched games in hoops history. The drama was irresistible: on one side, Magic Johnson, with his effervescent smile and flair for the game; on the other, Larry Bird, who would earn the moniker “The Hick from French Lick”. Magic’s Spartans emerged victorious, leaving Bird devastated in the 75–64 contest. Little did they know, this clash was the spark that would ignite a decade-long rivalry, one that would turn the NBA from a struggling league into a national powerhouse.
Enter the Lakers and Celtics, who would resurrect the storied rivalry of the 1960s. Magic’s arrival with the Lakers and Bird’s with the Celtics set the stage for an epic showdown. The Lakers, with their glamorous "Showtime" style, were a perfect foil to the gritty, working-class Celtics. The rivalry was electric, and the impact was immediate. Throughout the entire 1980s, either the Lakers or the Celtics made it to the Finals every single season. Magic and Bird didn't just play the game; they elevated it.
“His otherworldly passing ability set him apart, leading to the highest assists per game average in the NBA!”
By the time their remarkable careers drew to a close, Magic had claimed five NBA championships, while Bird had earned three. Magic and Bird are inextricably linked forever. When people see Magic on the street they often ask “How’s Larry?”—as if they’re bosom buddies. In an interview that Magic and Bird gave on Letterman, Bird quipped, “Earvin’s an outgoing guy. He loves everybody. He wants to high-five. He’s got that big smile. My goal was to try and take three of them teeth home with me.” On the court, these two were fierce adversaries. Yet beneath the intense rivalry lay a profound mutual respect. Both men lived for hoops and came from working class backgrounds. They understood the relentless effort and sacrifice required to excel at this level. It also helped the nation see that people with different melanin density can respect and love one another, even when they’re on opposite teams. Magic and Bird’s rivalry is sportsmanship at its finest and it forever changed the league.
TRANSFORMING THE POSITION
With the height of a center and the versatility of a guard, Magic Johnson redefined what it meant to run the point. He blazed a trail for players over 6’5” to be seen as ball handlers. Magic’s play was nothing short of poetry in motion, mesmerizing fans with his spellbinding style and fluid execution. As the floor general of the Showtime Lakers, Magic was the linchpin of the fast break that left opponents in the dust. Averaging 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists per game in his career, his performance was the epitome of positionless basketball.
Before Magic entered the league, point guards were typically shorter and more limited in their roles. It was unheard of for a mobile 6’9” hooper to have the handles, court vision, and finesse that Johnson possessed. His otherworldly passing ability set him apart, leading to the highest assists per game average in the NBA (11.1)! Magic also holds the most total assists in playoff history.
Dazzling style belied the relentless drive and fierce leadership that Magic exhibited on the court. He had an uncanny ability to read defenses, make split-second decisions, and execute with precision. Whether driving to the hoop, posting up smaller guards, or punishing double teams with breathtaking passes, Magic’s impact was both strategic and spectacular.
The modern NBA is full of players over 6’6” who handle the rock with all of the grace of a smaller guard. Even big men like Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokić can be seen bringing up the ball and directing the offense. Icons like Scottie Pippen, Penny Hardaway, and LeBron James are also beneficiaries of Magic’s positionless style of play.
THE ALCHEMIST
Johnson was an innovator on the hardwood, holding the highest win percentage in league history as if he had the Midas touch. He had an extraordinary knack for shaping ordinary moments into pure poetry. Attuned to his team, he orchestrated the flow of the game with an almost mystical precision. His passing made assists an art form and elevated his teammates to new heights with awe-inspiring plays. Magic looked to control every aspect of the game but also get everyone involved. That was his gift.
Ancient alchemists didn’t just aspire to create objects of monetary value, they sought to discover cures for diseases and extend human life. They also understood how the vitality of one’s life could inspire others. Magic Johnson approached his life and career with that same mindset. He was never content, he pushed the boundaries of what was possible, and went for his dreams. Through his example he inspired millions and literally changed the world. He refused to be solely focused on personal greatness. Instead he aimed to raise up those around him, both on his team and in his community. Magic Johnson is the basketball alchemist, and he forever changed the game.
