This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
When the Lakers selected Earvin “Magic” Johnson with the first pick of the 1979 NBA draft, an exciting era of “Showtime” basketball had arrived. 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.
Featured here is a pair of Magic’s rookie era, circa 1980 game-worn sneakers with a vintage “Earvin Magic Johnson” autograph on the right shoe in7-8/10 blue ballpoint pen. The white Converse All-Star high-tops come in size 14.5 with purple logos and “MAGIC” stamped in purple on the ankle. They display solid game use with some cracking on the exterior from aging. The original shoelaces are present and intact. The insoles of each shoe are customized for Magic with a blue orthotic insert. The foam padding inside the tongues has crumbled on the left shoe and its orange-colored remnants are found on the insole. The tongue on the right shoe is intact with very little crumbling of the padding. What a stunning, early pair of Magic gamers to offer the hobby with excellent provenance to boot!
Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
Provenance: This lot originates from a gentleman who has enjoyed a long and successful career in Hollywood as an agent for many well-known athletes and entertainers. His professional and personal network enabled him to amass a significant collection of memorabilia, nearly all of which was given to him directly from the athletes and entertainers themselves. All of these items are being introduced to the marketplace here for the first time. While our consignor remains anonymous, SCP Auctions will issue an LOA for each game used item attesting to its player-direct provenance.