In its 75-year history, the NBA has gone through various eras. A turning point for the league’s popularity was the 1980s, when the NBA started to regain mainstream relevance among American households. As the league went ‘Hollywood’, some players played the biggest parts, and therefore have some of the most iconic jerseys to commemorate one of the most iconic periods of professional basketball.
What is the 5th most iconic jersey of all time? The Earvin “Magic” Johnson 1984-1985 Los Angeles Lakers home jersey is the 5th most iconic jersey of all time, according to SLAM Magazine’s list of “Top 75 Greatest Basketball Jerseys of All Time.” The jersey has a golden yellow base, with purple “Lakers” lettering and purple and white numbers. Mitchell and Ness, a jersey reproduction manufacturer, said that this jersey was their 5th best-selling jersey of all time.
Why is Magic Johnson iconic?
Earvin “Magic” Johnson was a closely followed basketball player since his days at Michigan State University. His rookie season cemented his status in the league as a star; he was voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team as well as the NBA All-Star Game. His Game 6 performance, where he played center in place of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, is highly touted as an all-time great performance, which earned him a NBA Finals MVP award. Magic’s career continued fantastically, as he amassed a total of 5 NBA Titles, 3 NBA Finals MVPs, 3 regular season MVPs, 9 All-NBA First Team honors, and an Olympic gold medal with the 1992 US “Dream Team.” His #32 was retired by the Lakers and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002. His career statistics include 19.5 points per game, 11.2 assists per game, and 7.2 rebounds per game, resulting in a career double-double average.
Magic Johnson’s game and personality gave life to a faltering NBA. His flair for passing made him one of the best point guards of all time and an entertaining watch. His rivalry with Larry Bird was just an on-court rivalry, but it captivated audiences beyond basketball fans, who saw the two as the personification of racial and class struggles during ‘80s America. Magic also contracted HIV during his playing career, which made him a controversial figure and effectively ended his career. However, his style of play along with his decorated career and larger-than-basketball impact has cemented his iconic status as an all-time NBA great.
Why is the 1984-1985 Magic Johnson Los Angeles Lakers home jersey iconic?
In the 1984-1985 season, Magic Johnson posted a trademark double-double average, with 18.3 points per game, 12.6 assists per game, and 6.2 rebounds per game. His play, and the Lakers strong record, led him to winning All-NBA First Team honors. Continuing his strong play, Magic faced his archenemy Larry Bird in the NBA Finals, to whom he had lost to last year. This time, Magic prevailed, as he posted 18.3 points, 14 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game as the Lakers beat the Celtics in 6 games. This was Magic’s 3rd NBA title and one that he dubbed as the highlight of his career.
Why is the 1984-1985 Los Angeles Lakers home jersey iconic?
The 1984-1985 Los Angeles Lakers home jersey has a golden yellow base. The purple “Lakers” lettering is on the top half of the chest, and slants upwards. The numbers have a 3-D look, as the thick purple numbers also have a white shadow. The numbers for double digit jerseys also have a wide space in between them. The collar and armpit have a white and purple trim. This jersey design is a classic Lakers look, which has been commemorated in other seasons, such as the 1996-1997 and 2007-2008 seasons.
The Los Angeles Lakers were looking to bounce back after a tough loss in the Finals to their nemesis, the Boston Celtics. Spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who ended up with the MVP, and Magic Johnson, the “Showtime” Lakers topped the conference with a 62-20 record. A strong postseason run reunited them with the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, where the Lakers beat them for the first time in the Finals to walk away with the title, capping off an iconic season.
Which other notable players wore the 1984-1985 Los Angeles Lakers home jersey?
The 1984-1985 Los Angeles Lakers roster was full of NBA legends and stars. One notable player to wear the 1984-1985 Los Angeles Lakers home jersey was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose jersey places at #72 on SLAM Magazine’s list. Other players include James Worthy, Bob McAdoo, Kurt Rambis, and Michael Cooper.
Who manufactured the 1984-1985 Los Angeles Lakers home jersey?
The 1984-1985 Los Angeles Lakers home jersey was manufactured by Sand-Knit. Up until 1989, Sand-Knit manufactured the jerseys for all NBA teams before licensing was split between various manufacturers. Currently, Mitchell and Ness manufactures reproductions of the 1984-1985 Los Angeles Lakers home jersey.
Are there other iconic Magic Johnson jerseys?
According to SLAM Magazine’s “The Greatest Jerseys of All Time” list, the 1984-1985 Magic Johnson Los Angeles Lakers away jersey is also iconic; it ranks at #21. This jersey has a purple base, the “Lakers” lettering is golden yellow, and the numbers are golden yellow with white shadows. The collar and armpit trim are golden yellow and white.