How Many Rings Does Magic Johnson Have?

An all-time great, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson’s illustrious NBA run during the Los Angeles Lakers will be forever gilded across the pages of history. One of the greatest point guards to have ever graced the game, Johnson led the Lakers to a dazzling number of Championships during their Showtime Era. So exactly how many NBA rings has Magic Johnson won?

Drafted as the first overall pick by the Lakers in 1979, it didn’t take long for Johnson to dazzle his magic onto the NBA courts. Incredible how Earvin Jr ended up winning the Championship in his very first season in the NBA – that too as Finals MVP!

Little needs to be said of Magic Johnson’s inherent talent and skill set that saw him dominate the Franchise for over a decade. People often are curious about the number of rings won by Magic Johnson throughout his career. This article gives a comprehensive answer to that very questions and throws light at the illustrious career of Magic Johnson.

Related: How many rings does Shaquille O’Neal have?

Number of rings won by Magic Johnson in his NBA Career

Magic Johnson has won a spectacular Five NBA Championship rings with the Los Angeles Lakers. The first of his rings came in his very debut season in the NBA, as he was named Finals MVP. Johnson went on to win four more Championships with the Lakers, leading their title runs upfront. 

However, there is more to it. Magic Johnson has also won five more rings with the LA Lakers as part-owner of the franchise. So it is quite harmless to state that Johnson has won a total of TEN NBA rings, with five of those coming as a player.

What years did Magic Johnson win his rings?

Magic Johnson won his Five rings with the Lakers in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988. It was during their Showtime Era when the NBA world was taken on a ride of their run-and-gun style of play. During this period, Johnson won an incredible three NBA MVPs and 3 Finals MVPs.

1980: Debut Season Championship & Finals MVP

Magic Johnson shone in his very first finals series when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sustained a sprained ankle, midway through Game 5. During Game 6 of the Finals series with the Philadelphia 76ers, Johnson took center stage. In what has been termed as the ‘Greatest Game of his career’, Magic Johnson did not disappoint. That clutch performance from Johnson where he scored 42 points with 15 rebounds and dished out seven assists, ultimately helped Lakers lift the title 4-2 over the 76ers. Johnson was named Finals MVP in his very first season in the NBA.

1982: Second Title, Second Finals MVP

Johnson and Co. were set to face the Philadelphia 76ers yet again two seasons later in the NBA Finals. This time, however, was no exception as Johnson played an instrumental part in another Lakers’ title. The legendary point guard averaged 16.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 2.5 steals in the Finals series and was eventually named Finals MVP. The Lakers won the title 4-2 beating the Philadelphia 76ers for the second time in three years.

1985: Title against Larry Bird’s Celtics

Making it to his fourth consecutive NBA Finals with the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson sealed his third Championship ring. It was their first-ever franchise victory over the Boston Celtics, where the Lakers won 4-2 as Johnson averaged 14 assists, 18.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in the Finals series. It was also a great statement of victory over arch-rival Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics. 

1987: Celtics Again, Fourth Title & Finals MVP

As if it wasn’t enough, the Los Angeles Lakers were set to face the Boston Celtics in the 1987 Finals. This time Magic Johnson put up an even deadlier performance. Johnson’s iconic baby sky hook in Game 4 remains the highlight of the series till date. The Lakers eventually lifted the title 4-2 as Johnson was named Finals MVP. He averaged 26.2 points, 13.0 assists and 8.0 rebounds in 6 games, winning the fourth championship ring of his NBA career.

1988: Fifth Championship Ring

In an exciting Finals series against the Detroit Pistons that went on to seven games, Magic Johnson lifted his fifth title. The Los Angeles Lakers won 4-3 as Johnson averaged 21.1 points, 13.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in the Finals series. It was the Lakers’ fifth title during their Showtime Era, one of the most dominant periods in their longtime history.  

Who has more rings, Magic Johnson or Larry Bird?

Magic Johnson has won two more rings than Larry Bird as the Lakers Point Guard won 5 championships with his team. Larry Bird has won a total of three NBA titles in the 1981, 1984, and 1986 Finals.

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