The 1980 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1979-80 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Lakers earned their 7th NBA title, their 2nd since moving from Minneapolis.
Magic Johnson became the first and (as of 2012), only rookie to be named NBA Finals MVP, leading L.A. to a clinching Game 6 victory with 42 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. With center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out with a severely sprained ankle, Johnson started at center instead, and ultimately played all 5 positions on the court in the game.
Philadelphia earned their third Eastern Conference championship, but were unsuccessful in capturing their second NBA title.
The Milwaukee Bucks appeared in the playoffs for the last time as a member of the West; the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs likewise appeared for the last time playing for the East. They switched conferences (along with the Chicago Bulls) in the 1980-81 season with the addition of the Dallas Mavericks.
Read more about 1980 NBA Playoffs: Bracket, Western Conference, Eastern Conference, NBA Finals