Chapter 51 Dark Nation·Dark Team_2

It's hard to say whether he could become the next Jabbar.

On the Lakers side, Magic Johnson had just turned 30 this year—the prime age for a point guard.

At 33, Larry Bird was already physically debilitated, while Johnson maintained excellent physical condition.

When playing under Pat Riley, Johnson thought he could only play until he was 30 because Riley's training and play styles were extremely draining on the body.

After Don Nelson took over, he lightened Johnson's load. Although Nelson also played a fast offense, his pressure on players wasn't as severe.

The Lakers built their team entirely around Johnson, with the point guard as the core, creating a smoothly functioning lineup.

To date, the Lakers' record was second only to the Trail Blazers, closely trailing behind.

Before the evening game started, when Jerry West appeared at the Great Western Forum, the crowd still erupted in applause.