Magic Johnson has appeared in the NBA Finals 9 times (all with the Lakers), in the following years: 1  1980 - defeated the Philadelphia 76ers (was Finals MVP) 2  1982 - defeated the Philadelphia 76ers (was Finals MVP) 3  1983 - lost to the Philadelphia 76ers. 4  1984 - lost to the Boston Celtics.  1985 - defeated the Boston Celtics.