When the Lakers selected Earvin “Magic” Johnson with the first pick of the 1979 NBA draft, an exciting era of “Showtime” basketball in Los Angeles was born. After leading Michigan State to an NCAA title in ’79, Magic went on to guide L.A. to five NBA titles over a nine-year stretch. His rookie year was unlike any in league history as the 6’ 9” point guard from Lansing, Mich. averaged 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game to take home Rookie of the Year honors. In addition, he became the only rookie ever to win the NBA Finals MVP award and one of only four to win NCAA and NBA titles in consecutive seasons. Magic averaged 21.6 ppg for L.A. in his second year and by the 1981-82 campaign he was up to 9.6 boards and 9.5 dimes per contest, guiding the Lakers to their second NBA title in three years. Featured here is an early pair of Magic’s game-worn sneakers. According to the letter of provenance from the son of Elvin Hayes, Magic wore these in a road game at Houston in 1981. Hayes was finishing up his Hall of Fame career with the Rockets, while Magic was just about to enter his prime years.
The classic white Converse All-Star high-tops come in Magic's size 14.5 (flag tagged inside) with purple logos and “MAGIC” stamped in purple on the ankle. The white laces appear to be the originals. The insoles have both been removed as Magic was prone to use his own custom orthotic inserts. Both shoes display heavy wear from game use and aging. Structurally, they are completely intact on the outside, the outsoles showing no signs of deterioration and the outer canvas surface showing moderate pilling. The orange foam padding inside the tongues has crumbled off and some of the orange-colored material remains. The "Converse All-Star" logo on the tongues is faint from age, but the logo on the purple heels remains bright. Magic has signed "Magic" on the right shoe and "HOF 02" on the left in 8/10 black marker over the toes. This signing session was done under the watch of Fanatics Authentic, whose hologram stickers are affixed inside each shoe. An incredibly rare pair of early Magic gamers for the hobby with excellent provenance. (We were unable to verify the exact game Magic wore these, but records indicate the Lakers played the Rockets four times between 11/12/80 and 4/6/82, including twice in the calendar year 1981. Photo-matches on shoes this old are almost impossible. The shoes appear to be the same worn against Houston in Getty images 947680160 and 83215081.)
Includes LOA from Elvin Hayes Jr. Fanatics Authentic cert #'s ZZ0005378 and ZZ0005379. Autographs pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Comes with two photos of Magic signing each shoe.