"We're definitely one of the greatest teams ever because we had everything, we could do everything" - Magic Johnson makes bold claim about 'Showtime' LA Lakers, says they could win against anyone
The 'Showtime' LA Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy, are widely regarded as one of the NBA's greatest dynasties.
During a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay, Johnson shared that he believes the team was able to do everything on the court.
When asked by host Shannon Sharpe where he would rank the 'Showtime' Lakers, Magic said:
"We're definitely one of the greatest teams ever because we had everything, we could do everything. When you got a guy like Kareem that can dominate inside, right? James Worthy, oh man, and then you got the shooters in Byron Scott, Michael Cooper, and we had the defensive mentality as well. We can defend you and then get out and run.
"We can score inside, outside and on the break, that's hard to defend. And, we had the coach because Pat Riley is to me the best coach that's ever lived, but he could make in-game adjustments that were critical and also he motivated you. So this man could take us and we could play against anybody and win."
Magic and the 'Showtime' Lakers won five NBA titles in the 1980s, with their first coming in Johnson's rookie season. They appeared in nine NBA Finals during his tenure with the team and were solidified among the greatest teams ever assembled.
Watch Magic Johnson's comments on the 'Showtime' LA Lakers below (starting at the 9:05 mark):
Inside the success of Magic Johnson and the 'Showtime' LA Lakers
The 'Showtime' LA Lakers era began with the arrival of Magic Johnson. Drafted first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft, Johnson joined a roster that already had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The duo tasted immediate success, winning the championship in Johnson's rookie season.
While Abdul-Jabbar was the league MVP that season, his injury forced him out of Game 6 of the NBA Finals. It set the stage for one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. Johnson switched from his usual point guard position to the center position. He finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists en route to winning the Finals MVP award.
The Lakers' success would continue throughout the decade, as they made five appearances in the finals, winning five titles. Johnson won the Finals MVP in three of the Lakers' title runs, while Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy each won one. All three players were named to both the 50th Anniversary Team and 75th Anniversary Team.
Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Showtime. #1980sIn4Words http://t.co/alPdDjZ5gr