10 Legendary NBA Players whose Jersey Numbers were Retired

Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics retired 22 numbers, the most in the NBA

#4 Magic Johnson, No. 32 retired by the Lakers

Magic Johnson
Kareem and Magic's "Showtime" Lakers took the league by storm

If any other team other than the Lakers drafted Magic Johnson in the 1979 NBA Draft, they would probably have to retire a different number. Magic wore 33 for Michigan State and entered the league as the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player and champion. However, superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar already occupied this number, so he had to settle for 32.

Kareem and Magic's "Showtime" Lakers took the league by storm, winning a title in Magic's rookie year. They continued to rule the NBA with the addition of players like James Worthy and Byron Scott, winning five NBA championships in total until Kareem's retirement.

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Even though Johnson's career was cut short due to his battle with HIV, he managed to win three MVP awards and be selected to the All-NBA First Team nine consecutive times. He revolutionized the game as a 6-9 point guard and laid the foundation for one of the greatest franchises of all time.

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Edited by Alan John
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