Basketball great, Magic Johnson, plays center as a rookie, wins championships. ... In 1979, Magic had led Michigan State to the NCAA title over Larry Bird's Indiana State in the most-watched college final ever. That fall, he was drafted by the Lakers as the first overall pick.

Did Magic actually play center?

We Remember: Magic Johnson Starts at Center in Game 6 of 1980 NBA Finals. ... With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar unable to play due to an ankle injury, head coach Paul Westhead made a bold move, moving rookie point guard Magic Johnson to center. The move paid off, as Magic put up 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists.

Did Magic Johnson ever play center for the Lakers?

Johnson was drafted first overall in 1979 by the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson said that what was "most amazing" about joining the Lakers was the chance to play alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the team's 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) center who became the leading scorer in NBA history.