first overall

Magic Johnson from Michigan State University, one of the "hardship" players, was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.

first

Magic jumped to the pros months later to become the first pick in the NBA Draft after only two college seasons.

The Los Angeles Lakers

After what turned out to be their final season in New Orleans, the Jazz were dealt a further humiliation when the Los Angeles Lakers selected Magic Johnson with the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft.

with the #1 pick in the 1979 NBA draft

Buss acquired the team from Jack Kent Cooke in 1979, shortly before Magic Johnson drafted Johnson with the #1 pick in the 1979 NBA draft.

1979

The Lakers have had three first overall picks in their history: Elgin Baylor (selected in 1958), Magic Johnson (selected in 1979) and James Worthy (selected in 1982).

No. 8

The Pacers had a lousy season, so The Pacers turned out to be the No. 8 pick in the draft that gave the NBA Magic Johnson, Bill Cartwright, Sidney Moncrief, Vinnie Johnson, Bill Laimbeer, Mark Eaton, Natt and a few other notables).

fourth round

Magic Johnson was selected in the fourth round of the 1988 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls and managed to stick around the NBA through 1998, even though Magic Johnson played in only 341 games and started only 54.

number one

That's why Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is my pick for the best number one pick in NBA history.

sixth

The Magic selected Isaac with the sixth pick in the 2017 draft.

second first overall

The Lakers also drafted Magic Johnson in 1979 with The Lakers's second first overall pick, who was rated the greatest NBA point guard of all time by ESPN in 2007.

to the first overall pick by the LA Lakers

Soon, Magic Johnson was drafted to the first overall pick by the LA Lakers in 1979.

first overall pick of the 1979 NBA Draft

Magic” Johnson was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the first overall pick of the 1979 NBA Draft and played for the Lakers for 13 years, during which time Magic” Johnson enjoyed five NBA Championships, three MVP awards and 12 All-Star designations.

Among his many, many highlights as an executive with the Lakers

Among his many highlights as an executive with the Lakers: the Lakers drafted Magic Johnson and James Worthy, then brought in Kobe Bryant and eventually Shaquille O'Neal to play alongside Bryant.

number one overall

The Magic drafted Chris Webber with the number one overall pick, but only minutes later, executed a blockbuster trade.

Among Jerry West's many highlights as an executive with the Lakers

Among Jerry West's many, many highlights as an executive with the Lakers: Jerry West drafted Magic Johnson and James Worthy, then brought in Kobe Bryant and eventually Shaquille O’Neal to play alongside Bryant.

first-round

In 1979, using a first-round draft pick obtained from the Utah Jazz, the Lakers selected a 6-foot-9 point guard named Earvin 'Magic' Johnson from Michigan State.

The Jazz's #1 pick in 1979

The Jazz's #1 pick in 1979 (the first overall choice) was used by the Lakers to select Magic Johnson.

Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson nailed Magic Johnson's first draft as general manager.

instead of the Los Angeles Lakers

Magic Johnson claims that if Magic Johnson was drafted by the Chicago Bulls instead of the Los Angeles Lakers, the team never would've gotten Michael Jordan.

Zion Williamson

Magic Johnson may pick Zion Williamson in NBA Draft but wears MSU shirt to Elite 8.