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At the conclusion of the Conference Finals, the winning teams will be awarded The Bob Cousy Trophy (East) and The Oscar Robertson Trophy (West).
Continuing with the theme of honoring its legends, in recognition of the best players in the respective series, an MVP trophy will be awarded for both conferences, with the East’s trophy named after Larry Bird and the West’s named after Magic Johnson.
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What is the Magic Johnson Trophy?
The Magic Johnson trophy will be awarded to the MVP of the Western Conference Finals.
Magic Johnson Playoffs history
Johnson’s dominance of the Western Conference as a member of the Lakers during the Showtime era of the ’80s is a fitting tribute to the Hall of Famer.
Johnson made nine Finals appearances and won five NBA championships with the Lakers in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988.
5-time NBA champion 3-time Finals MVP 3-time Most Valuable Player 12-time NBA All-Star 2-time NBA All-Star Game MVP 9-time All-NBA First Team 4-time NBA assist leader 2-time NBA steals leader NBA Aniversary Team (50th and 75th) No. 32 jersey retired by the Lakers