TITLE: Lakers’ 1985 and 1987 Finals Triumphs Over Celtics Still Echo in Franchise Lore
SLUG: lakers-finals-wins-over-celtics-1985-1987
CONTENT:
On this date in franchise history, the Los Angeles Lakers twice carved their name deeper into NBA lore by toppling the Boston Celtics on basketball’s biggest stage.
June 9, 1985 – First Finals Victory Over Boston
At Boston Garden, Los Angeles clinched the 1985 NBA title with a 111-100 win in Game 6, securing the club’s first championship at the expense of its long-time rival. The victory ended years of Finals frustration against Boston and set a new tone for the rivalry.
June 9, 1987 – Magic Johnson’s “Baby Sky Hook”
Two years later, the teams met again, and Game 4 produced one of the rivalry’s signature moments. With seven seconds left and the Lakers trailing 106-105, Michael Cooper inbounded to Magic Johnson. The point guard dribbled toward the lane, rose between Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, and lofted a soft hook shot—dubbed the “baby sky hook” or, by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the “junior, junior sky hook.” The ball dropped through with two seconds remaining, giving Los Angeles a 107-106 lead.
Larry Bird shook free for a last-second three-point attempt from in front of the Lakers’ bench, but the shot bounced long, preserving the Los Angeles victory and a 3-1 series edge. Johnson finished with 29 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Boston was paced by McHale’s 23 points and 13 boards after surrendering a 16-point halftime cushion.
Those back-to-back June milestones reinforced the Lakers’ dominance in the 1980s and remain cornerstones of one of sports’ most celebrated rivalries.
Source: LakersNation.com
