On Jan. 6, 1981, guard Norm Nixon delivered a season-high 30 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-98 victory over the Washington Bullets at The Forum.
The matchup came during the Lakers’ quest to defend the 1979-80 NBA championship. Los Angeles was without star point guard Magic Johnson, who was sidelined for 45 games after a knee injury, forcing head coach Paul Westhead to rely on other playmakers. Nixon seized that role against Washington, repeatedly attacking the basket and controlling the fourth-quarter offense.
Los Angeles held a narrow 28-25 edge after one period but widened the gap to 60-47 by halftime. The Bullets—powered by former Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and veteran forward Elvin Hayes—trimmed the margin to six entering the final quarter. Nixon responded with decisive drives and free throws, ensuring the Lakers maintained control down the stretch.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar added 25 points and Jamaal Wilkes scored 23 for Los Angeles. The Bullets arrived with a 16-24 record and left The Forum still outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Nixon’s performance highlighted a career that ultimately featured two NBA titles and an All-Star nod with the Lakers. He later spent six seasons with the Clippers, beginning in their final year in San Diego. Wilkes earned his first All-Star selection later that 1980-81 season, averaging 22.6 points per game.
Source: LakersNation
