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NBA Draft: Each team’s greatest draft pick of all-time

By Daniel Lubofsky

MIAMI - NOVEMBER 12: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers take a breather on November 12, 2009 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI - NOVEMBER 12: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers take a breather on November 12, 2009 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Greatest draft pick in Los Angeles Lakers history: Magic Johnson

The Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s were arguably the most exciting basketball team in the history of the NBA. They would house legendary greats such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, but the head of that championship-level snake was the one and only Magic Johnson.

To say Magic had eyes in the back of his head feels like an understatement. In reality, he was probably a little psychic as well, able to read plays multiple steps ahead and put the ball where it needed to be well before anybody else in the arena had any idea.

He led the NBA in assists four times and finished his career averaging 11.2 a game. To watch his highlights is to lay eyes on the indescribable. Johnson constantly pushed the ball in transition and would make a concerted effort to not only get his teammates involved but to do so in a way that got the crowd on its feet in amazement. After all, he was and always will be a showman at heart.

Magic was a winner from the moment he stepped foot on an NBA court. How many rookies could not only lead their teams to an NBA championship but replace their Hall of Fame teammate at a totally foreign position and register 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists in the series-clinching victory?

The Showtime Lakers don’t exist without Magic Johnson. He was the one bringing the flare and highlight-factor to every single game. On top of his must-see-tv appeal, he helped LA to five NBA titles along with three MVP trophies as well, the greatest point guard to ever play the game and certainly one of its most entertaining.

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