10 best point guards in Los Angeles Lakers history

1. Magic Johnson (1979-91, 1996)

Magic Johnson is pretty much undisputed as the greatest point guard in the history of the game. Since he played his entire pro career with the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s an easy choice to declare Magic the greatest point guard in the history of the franchise.

Other accolades often given to Magic are that of the greatest passer of all time, the greatest on-court leader of all time, the greatest basketball showman/entertainer of all time and the greatest global ambassador for the sport.

Magic and longtime rival Larry Bird are widely credited with saving a struggling NBA and sparking the wave of popularity that carried the league through the 1980s, setting the stage for the multi-billion dollar juggernaut you see in 2020.

Magic’s resume is nearly impeccable. In 13 seasons, he averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He won three league MVPs and three Finals MVPs while leading the Lakers to five championships. He was a 10-time All-NBA choice. He led the league in steals twice and in assists four times.

He retired as the league’s all-time assist leader and No. 2 in triple-doubles.

From his rookie year to his farewell, Magic’s career is full of legendary tales.

He was just 20 years old and wrapping up his first pro season when he had to start at center for an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals. Magic led the Lakers to a title-clinching victory, posting 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists while earning Finals MVP honors.

And so, ironically, the quintessential point guard’s most famous performance happened when he was listed at center.

Los Angeles Lakers

Magic’s sudden retirement in 1991 after contracting HIV remains one of the most shocking moments in sports and pop culture. Months after that infamous press conference, he came back for the 1992 All-Star Game and had a storybook send-off, winning MVP with 25 points and nine assists.

Of course, that wasn’t Magic’s actual finale.

He played in the 1992 Olympics with the original U.S. “Dream Team.” He re-joined the Lakers in the 1992 preseason, but decided to end that comeback due to lingering concerns about the contagiousness of HIV.

Magic came back again in 1996, slotted at power forward with a heavier frame and slower feet, but still averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists coming off the bench at 35 years old. He helped the Lakers make the playoffs and had a few magical moments before officially finishing his career.

Since then, Magic has remained in the Lakers’ orbit.

Recently he served as president of basketball operations, but mostly his presence has been as an ambassador and unofficial spokesman for the franchise with which he’ll always be linked.