I think I knew about the Lakers sometime 1987 (I was about 12 years old).  I saw them on a much delayed telecast on TV (there was no cable TV then!).  After seeing Magic Johnson and James Worthy, I was hooked.  (Kareem was already on the decline around that time, so I really didn’t appreciate what he brought to the team.  Of course, I was wrong as Kareem was still a very solid player, just not the same when he was at his peak, obviously)

The starting five then, as I knew it, was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Byron Scott and AC Green.  The sixth man, as I remember it, is Michael Cooper.  Mychal Thompson spelled Kareem at center while Kurt Rambis played power forward from time to time.  A very solid and pesky player, Kurt Rambis is.

That’s how I remember their line up.

Oh, those were the days.  Magic was doing his magic – making plays.

James Worthy flashing on the wings. James Worthy gripping the ball with one hand, studying his defender.  James Worthy suddenly driving for a thunderous dunk!  Magic running the break, finding Worthy for another dunk!

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar taking the ball in the post.  Kareem doing the sky hook – I remember thinking what a very ugly but highly effective shot.  Of course, now, I see the sky hook as a very, very elegant shot.

Byron Scott, a shooter / slasher type of player.  I really liked his game.  When he got to the rim, there were no fancy plays.  I remember him dunking the ball every time he had the chance.  Deadly from the outside, too.

Michael Cooper, a very deadly 3-point shooter.  A very pesky defender.

AC Green, a tenacious rebounder.  He was a prototype power forward then.

Kurt Rambis looked like a geek but a very solid energy player.

Ah, in my mind, that team is the best ever.