1979-80 Earvin “Magic” Johnson Rookie Los Angeles Lakers Game-Used Road Jersey

Magic Johnson’s Rookie Season Jersey: A Legendary Artifact

An Iconic Piece of Basketball History

In the annals of basketball greatness, few names resonate as profoundly as Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Widely celebrated as one of the greatest point guards of all time, Magic’s illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers is marked by extraordinary achievements, including leading the “Showtime” Lakers to five NBA Championships. His rookie season in 1979-80 remains particularly memorable, as he became the only rookie to clinch the NBA Finals MVP award, a testament to his clutch performance and unparalleled skill.

The Jersey’s Provenance

This remarkable jersey, presented to us as game-used, is believed to be the very one Magic wore during his rookie season. Our consignor informed us that when originally purchased, a photo of Magic being guarded by Armond Hill of the Atlanta Hawks was included as supplemental documentation. Magic was said to be wearing this very shirt. Armond Hill played for the Hawks from the 1976-77 to 1980-81 season, and Magic’s first two seasons with the Lakers were 1979-80 and 1980-81. By deduction, the photo must be from Magic’s rookie season of 1979-80 due to the lack of the NBA 35th Anniversary patch on Hill’s shorts.

Jersey Details

The jersey itself is a stunning representation of the era, featuring:

• A heavily faded Lakers purple mesh, indicative of its extensive use and historical significance.
• The “Tiernan” manufacturer’s tag on the center front tail.
• “LAKERS” emblazoned across the front in yellow on white tackle twill.
• Player number “32” on both the front and back in white on yellow tackle twill.
• Player name “JOHNSON” across the back in yellow on white tackle twill.

The jersey is properly tagged and, in our opinion, shows outstanding use, being faded from multiple washings and possible mislaundering, which is typical of Lakers shirts from this era.

Why This Jersey Matters

This jersey is not just a piece of fabric; it is a tangible connection to Magic Johnson’s legendary career and the unforgettable moments he created on the court. It represents:

• Historical Significance: Worn during Magic’s rookie season, a pivotal moment in NBA history.
• Iconic Player: Represents Magic Johnson, a Hall of Famer and one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players.
• Unique Provenance: Supported by photographic evidence and historical deduction.
• Condition and Story: The fading and wear tell a story of resilience and triumph, much like Magic’s career.

For those passionate about basketball memorabilia, this jersey is a rare and invaluable artifact. It is a testament to Magic Johnson’s enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game. If you have your own piece of history, consider reaching out to our NBA jerseys consignment experts at Grey Flannel Auctions. We also offer appraisals for NBA items to help you understand the value of your cherished memorabilia.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.