5. Magic Johnson
Simply put, what Earvin Johnson was able to do when on the basketball was truly befitting of his “Magic” nickname. While the next guy on our list might’ve been the straw that stirred the drink of the Showtime Lakers (at least early on), Johnson was still the team’s signature attraction.
He finished his career as a three time MVP and was one of the league’s most versatile players, averaging 11 assists a game for his career while starting at center as a rookie in the Finals (and helping the Lakers win an NBA Championship in the process).
In an era long before the advent of YouTube, Johnson’s ability to score in so many ways, and seemingly deliver passes to teammates as if he had eyes on the back of his head, made him a staple of basketball highlights for all of the 1980’s.