1981 Topps #21 Magic Johnson PSA 8

1981 Topps #21 Magic Johnson PSA 8 – A Vintage Early-Career Card of NBA's All-Time Great Passer

By 1981, Magic Johnson was already redefining what it meant to be an NBA superstar. Fresh off his legendary rookie season in 1979-80, where he led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA championship and became the only rookie in history to win NBA Finals MVP, Magic was quickly proving that he was a once-in-a-generation talent. His court vision, versatility, and electrifying fast-break play made him the perfect leader for the Lakers’ iconic "Showtime" era, which would dominate the 1980s. Magic’s rivalry with Larry Bird fueled the league’s popularity, and over the course of his career, he would go on to win five NBA titles, three MVP awards, and establish himself as one of the greatest players of all time.

This 1981 Topps #21 Magic Johnson is a classic early-career card, capturing the Hall of Fame point guard in his rise to superstardom. The 1981 Topps basketball set features a bold and colorful design, and this PSA 8 example presents sharp centering, vibrant colors, and clean edges, making it a well-preserved piece of basketball history. Given the age and print quality of the era, finding high-grade examples can be a challenge, making this a strong collector’s piece.