During the 1980s, the Los Angeles Lakers and Magic Johnson were the dominant force in the NBA, but the emergence of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the latter half of the decade posed a future challenge. The popularity of both players gave broadcasters the idea to create a one-on-one spectacle between Johnson and Jordan for pay-per-view television. However, Isiah Thomas, the president of the NBA Players’ Association, convinced the league to cancel the event, which angered Jordan. Ultimately, Jordan had his chance to face Johnson in the NBA Finals in 1991, where he led the Bulls to their first championship and established himself as the best player in the world.