In the 1979 NBA Draft, a simple coin flip played a pivotal role in shaping the history of two of the league’s most iconic franchises: the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic Johnson, the Hall of Fame point guard, has often reflected on how that flip determined his future—and the fates of both teams.
The flip was between the Bulls and the Lakers to determine which team would receive the first overall pick in the draft. The Lakers had acquired the New Orleans Jazz’s first-round pick, which gave them a chance at the top spot despite having a solid roster. The Bulls, on the other hand, desperately needed a franchise-changing player. The coin flip ultimately favored the Lakers, allowing them to select Johnson. This move marked the beginning of the “Showtime” era, as Magic went on to win five championships with the Lakers, transforming them into one of the most dominant teams of the 1980s.
Had the coin landed the other way, Magic would have been a Chicago Bull, completely altering the history of both franchises. As Johnson has pointed out, “No Michael in Chicago and no Magic in LA” would have been the outcome. Without Johnson, the Lakers might not have become the powerhouse they were, and the Bulls would likely never have landed Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft, as their fortunes could have been dramatically altered.
In essence, that one coin flip was a turning point, shaping not just two teams but the entire landscape of the NBA for years to come. The Bulls eventually got their superstar in Jordan, but it’s fascinating to think how different the league might have been if Magic had ended up in Chicago instead.
