The 1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers season was a pivotal campaign that marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise. Under head coach Jack McKinney, and later Paul Westhead, the Lakers finished the regular season with a record of 60-22, securing first place in the Pacific Division. This season is notably remembered for the debut of Magic Johnson, the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft, who immediately made an impact with his versatile play and charismatic leadership.
Magic Johnson teamed up with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had an MVP-caliber season, averaging 24.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. The duo, along with key contributions from Jamaal Wilkes, Norm Nixon, and Michael Cooper, formed a formidable lineup that excelled both offensively and defensively. The Lakers’ balanced attack and dynamic fast-break style were critical to their success throughout the season.
In the playoffs, the Lakers demonstrated their dominance by defeating the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals, followed by a victory over the Seattle SuperSonics in the Western Conference Finals. They advanced to the NBA Finals to face the Philadelphia 76ers. The series highlighted Magic Johnson’s versatility, especially in Game 6, where he famously started at center in place of the injured Abdul-Jabbar and delivered an iconic performance with 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Lakers clinched the championship by winning the series 4-2, securing their first NBA title since 1972 and setting the stage for a decade of success.
- Regular Season Record: 60-22
- Playoff Result: Western Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Western Conference Finals: 4-1, NBA Finals: 4-2
Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats for 1979-80 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 82 | 24.8 | 10.8 | 4.5 | 1.0 | 3.4 | 0.0 | 15 | 31.9 | 12.1 | 3.1 | 1.1 | 3.9 | 0.0 |
| Jamaal Wilkes | 82 | 20.0 | 6.4 | 3.0 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 17.7 | 16 | 20.3 | 8.0 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| Magic Johnson | 77 | 18.0 | 7.7 | 7.3 | 2.4 | 0.5 | 22.6 | 16 | 18.3 | 10.5 | 9.4 | 3.1 | 0.4 | 25.0 |
| Norm Nixon | 82 | 17.6 | 2.8 | 7.8 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 12.5 | 16 | 16.9 | 3.5 | 7.8 | 2.0 | 0.2 | 20.0 |
| Jim Chones | 82 | 10.6 | 6.9 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 16 | 7.4 | 6.5 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Spencer Haywood | 76 | 9.7 | 4.6 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 25.1 | 11 | 5.7 | 2.4 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Michael Cooper | 82 | 8.8 | 2.8 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 25.0 | 16 | 9.1 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| Mark Landsberger | 23 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 16 | 3.4 | 4.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Ron Boone | 6 | 5.7 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Kenny Carr | 5 | 3.2 | 3.4 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Don Ford | 52 | 3.0 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Brad Holland | 38 | 2.8 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 20.0 | 9 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Marty Byrnes | 32 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Ollie Mack | 27 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Butch Lee | 11 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs Second Round vs. Phoenix Suns
In the 1980 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased their dominance in the second round by defeating the Phoenix Suns in a commanding five-game series. Led by the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was pivotal in both scoring and defense, the Lakers advanced with a combination of veteran poise and burgeoning talent, setting the stage for their eventual championship run. This series was a testament to their depth and versatility, as they effectively neutralized the Suns' threats and established themselves as a formidable contender.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 08, 1980 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 119-110 | |
| Apr 09, 1980 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 131-128 | |
| Apr 11, 1980 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 108-105 | |
| Apr 13, 1980 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 127-101 | |
| Apr 15, 1980 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 126-101 |
1980 Conference Championship vs. Seattle SuperSonics
The Los Angeles Lakers showcased their dominance in the 1980 NBA Playoffs' Western Conference Finals by defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in five games. With Magic Johnson's dynamic playmaking and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's formidable presence in the paint, the Lakers combined youthful energy with veteran experience. Their decisive victory set the stage for an iconic NBA Finals, where Magic's versatility would become legendary.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 22, 1980 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | L 108-107 | |
| Apr 23, 1980 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 108-99 | |
| Apr 25, 1980 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 104-100 | |
| Apr 27, 1980 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 98-93 | |
| Apr 30, 1980 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 111-105 |
1980 NBA Finals vs. Philadelphia 76ers
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 04, 1980 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 109-102 | |
| May 07, 1980 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 107-104 | |
| May 10, 1980 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 111-101 | |
| May 11, 1980 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 105-102 | |
| May 14, 1980 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 108-103 | |
| May 16, 1980 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 123-107 |
Los Angeles Lakers 1979-80 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1979-80 season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 12, 1979 | @ San Diego Clippers | W 103-102 | |
| Oct 16, 1979 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 105-96 | |
| Oct 17, 1979 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 112-110 | |
| Oct 19, 1979 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 99-82 | |
| Oct 21, 1979 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 106-97 | |
| Oct 23, 1979 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 102-87 | |
| Oct 26, 1979 | vs. Kansas City Kings | W 116-104 | |
| Oct 28, 1979 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 97-90 | |
| Oct 30, 1979 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 111-105 | |
| Oct 31, 1979 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 110-106 | |
| Nov 02, 1979 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 112-110 | |
| Nov 06, 1979 | vs. San Diego Clippers | W 127-112 | |
| Nov 07, 1979 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 126-109 | |
| Nov 09, 1979 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 126-122 | |
| Nov 11, 1979 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 140-126 | |
| Nov 13, 1979 | @ San Diego Clippers | W 137-91 | |
| Nov 15, 1979 | @ Kansas City Kings | L 114-108 | |
| Nov 16, 1979 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 135-128 | |
| Nov 18, 1979 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 127-104 | |
| Nov 20, 1979 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 114-99 | |
| Nov 21, 1979 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 119-110 | |
| Nov 23, 1979 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 126-112 | |
| Nov 25, 1979 | vs. Kansas City Kings | W 111-110 | |
| Nov 27, 1979 | @ Utah Jazz | W 122-118 | |
| Nov 30, 1979 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 107-100 | |
| Dec 02, 1979 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 116-103 | |
| Dec 04, 1979 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 127-121 | |
| Dec 05, 1979 | @ Houston Rockets | W 116-114 | |
| Dec 07, 1979 | vs. San Diego Clippers | L 116-108 | |
| Dec 09, 1979 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 131-118 | |
| Dec 14, 1979 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 138-122 | |
| Dec 16, 1979 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 121-119 | |
| Dec 18, 1979 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 129-118 | |
| Dec 19, 1979 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 119-112 | |
| Dec 21, 1979 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 114-108 | |
| Dec 22, 1979 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 130-128 | |
| Dec 23, 1979 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 102-97 | |
| Dec 26, 1979 | @ Kansas City Kings | L 118-111 | |
| Dec 27, 1979 | @ Utah Jazz | W 124-116 | |
| Dec 28, 1979 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 123-105 | |
| Dec 30, 1979 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 113-105 | |
| Jan 02, 1980 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 127-120 | |
| Jan 06, 1980 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 113-103 | |
| Jan 09, 1980 | @ Washington Bullets | L 103-101 | |
| Jan 11, 1980 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 123-100 | |
| Jan 13, 1980 | @ Boston Celtics | W 100-98 | |
| Jan 15, 1980 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 112-99 | |
| Jan 16, 1980 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 97-96 | |
| Jan 18, 1980 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 108-102 | |
| Jan 21, 1980 | vs. New York Knicks | W 132-114 | |
| Jan 24, 1980 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 111-103 | |
| Jan 25, 1980 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 124-103 | |
| Jan 27, 1980 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 112-102 | |
| Jan 29, 1980 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 154-153 | |
| Jan 31, 1980 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 107-97 | |
| Feb 05, 1980 | @ New York Knicks | W 116-105 | |
| Feb 08, 1980 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 125-120 | |
| Feb 10, 1980 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 105-104 | |
| Feb 13, 1980 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 129-103 | |
| Feb 15, 1980 | vs. Kansas City Kings | W 114-100 | |
| Feb 17, 1980 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 111-107 | |
| Feb 20, 1980 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 116-103 | |
| Feb 22, 1980 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 132-110 | |
| Feb 24, 1980 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 112-100 | |
| Feb 26, 1980 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 131-108 | |
| Feb 29, 1980 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 126-117 | |
| Mar 02, 1980 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 123-115 | |
| Mar 04, 1980 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 127-124 | |
| Mar 05, 1980 | @ Kansas City Kings | W 117-101 | |
| Mar 07, 1980 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 101-99 | |
| Mar 09, 1980 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 142-121 | |
| Mar 11, 1980 | @ San Diego Clippers | W 123-106 | |
| Mar 12, 1980 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 102-94 | |
| Mar 14, 1980 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 132-126 | |
| Mar 16, 1980 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 128-106 | |
| Mar 18, 1980 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 113-100 | |
| Mar 19, 1980 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 112-108 | |
| Mar 22, 1980 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 97-92 | |
| Mar 23, 1980 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 101-96 | |
| Mar 27, 1980 | @ Utah Jazz | W 97-95 | |
| Mar 28, 1980 | vs. San Diego Clippers | W 126-88 | |
| Mar 30, 1980 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 95-93 |