25 Most Dynamic Duos in NBA History

#2 Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers)

Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

When the Lakers decided to pair Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was the greatest scorer the game has ever seen, with Magic Johnson, who is considered by many as the greatest point guard ever, they knew it was the perfect recipe for a dynasty. They couldn't have been more right.

Johnson was drafted in 1979 and immediately made an impact. The Lakers made the Finals in his first season and faced the Philadelphia 76ers. Up 3-2, Abdul-Jabbar was ruled out of game six and Johnson ended up as starting center. He finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. He is till date the only rookie to be named Finals MVP.

On the whole, the duo played ten seasons together and made the finals eight times. They won titles in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988. This period was well known for their rivalry with the Boston Celtics led by Larry Bird and Kevin McHale.

Kareem won one of his six MVP awards with Johnson in 1980. He was also the Finals MVP in 1985. Johnson won two of his three MVP awards with Abdul-Jabbar in 1987 and 1989. He was named finals MVP in 1980, 1982 and 1987.

Kareem finished as the all-time leader in points and Magic finished with the highest assist per game average in NBA history.