The 10 Best NBA Players to Play for One Team
9. Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers
Career Win Shares: 155.8
• Career Averages: 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists
• 5x NBA Champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987-88)
• 3x NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1987)
• 3x NBA Most Valuable Player (1987, 1989-90)
• 12x NBA All-Star (1980, 1982-92)
• 9x All-NBA First Team (1983-91)
Earvin "Magic" Johnson was magical indeed, perhaps even wizard-like at times. His unparalleled court vision dazzled fans worldwide and helped create "Showtime". Though his own modesty disagrees, Johnson is widely regarded as the greatest Los Angeles Laker of all time.
In 1991, Johnson abruptly announced his retirement due the contraction of the HIV virus. However, in 1992, he was voted by fans as a starter for the All-Star game (where he was named the MVP) and also played for the Dream Team in the Summer Olympics. Johnson eventually finished his career with brief stints as the Lakers head coach and a comeback player, but as the NBA's all-time assists per game leader (11.2), it is only fitting that his most selfless contribution is the creation of the Magic Johnson Foundation, which works to support a variety of charitable goals.
