Magic Johnson Autographed Sports Illustrated Cover Print 1980 NBA Finals Masters 15½x20

After two successful years of college basketball with the Michigan State Spartans, including a national championship, Magic Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, with hopes of him bringing the Lakers a championship while teaming up with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Johnson immediately transformed the Lakers with his flashy style of play, especially his passing, that became known as “Showtime”. With 18 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, Johnson started in the All-Star Game while making the All-Rookie Team. The Lakers rolled into the playoffs with a 60-22 record and won both of the first two rounds 4-1 to set up a matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals. After taking a 3-2 lead in the series, the Lakers lost Abdul-Jabbar to a sprained ankle. Without skipping a beat, Johnson, the point guard, started Game 6 at center. Cycling between different positions, the 20-year-old rookie recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in a 123-107 win to capture the championship for the Lakers. Johnson’s performance led him to be the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award and his performance is still remembered to this day.

This Sports Illustrated cover print is autographed by Magic Johnson with a black paint pen. Johnson’s signature was witnessed by an Upper Deck representative as part of UDA’s 5-step authentication process.