After going back and forth through the first four games of the 1980 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers won pivotal Game 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Unfortunately, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was the league’s Most Valuable Player during the 1979-80 NBA season, suffered a severely sprained ankle in the 108-103 win. Abdul-Jabbar did not travel to Philadelphia for Game 6 and was considered doubtful in a potential Game 7.
Thus, Jim Chones and Mark Landsberger were the only centers remaining on the Lakers roster. In one of the greatest performances in NBA history, Magic Johnson started at center after being the team’s point guard during his rookie season.