Being from LA and being a Lakers fan, Magic was and still is my favorite player. Watching him play was like watching poetry in motion. He could have been like Jordan, but he was unselfish in the sense that he wanted the players around him to be involved and share in on the glory. If you had even the slightest advantage to score, Magic had no problem making that pass. And who he is off the court....just an awesome guy with the biggest smile. A great player, but an even more amazing human being. 👍
@@leoyu2101 You’re right. Jordan would never make that pass unlike Magic. Jordan was the ultimate 1v1 player while Magic was the ultimate team player. Mad respect for both guys, but I’d rather hang out with Magic than Jordan based off their personalities.
I'm in Italy and not in LA and being a Lakers and a Magic fan too, I had the fortune of having seen him playing in Milan in 1994. To me the Basketball made as a man, absolute poetry and talent, I agree 100% with your vision.
Since the 1990's the rules of basketball were changed so that teams could no longer depend on superstar players but all members had to work together to win.
I just got a tear. IDK why? 🏀 Magic. I didn't develop an appreciation for his SKILLS until I got older. Never a Laker fan. But I love his passion and smile for the game itself...
He made basketball exciting to watch because he dominated the game by involving his teammates in so many ways! Anyone playing in team sports would want a player like Magic.
What can you say about Magic.He made it look so easy.I AM 74 YEARS OLD NOW.AFTER HAVING SEEN BIRD MAGIC AND JORDAN. I AM CONVINCED WE WILL NEVER SEE THE LIKES OF THEM AGAIN.WHAT A ERA IT WAS.
They were absolutely great, but so are the players now. You can sit in your bubble and not appreciate the game for what it is now, or you can watch and enjoy. I guarantee magic, Jordan, and bird are watching
I could watch Magic highlights all day long. It was always "Show time!" You could tell he enjoyed the game and made the fans love it too! It was always FAN-tastic!
I hate the Celtics But as a grown man i have learned to respect all of their legends.. Danny Larry Kev have broke my heart numerous times. Found out Danny was one of the best high school athletes ever and i found out how many moves Kev had and i already knew about Bird.. One of the best teams of all time
That's what was great about bb back then, they played to win, not for showmanship like today. There is no longer respect between players in the NBA, and only getting worse. Refs don't even make correct calls themselves. Game is getting worse.
1980 Finals. Magic playing Center for an injured Kareem is forever my greatest memory. Not only did they win but he was MVP. Btw. He was a rookie. This is why Magic was the most valuable player to ever wear a uniform. He could do anything at the highest level Game 6. 42-15 stat line.
Man, the best thing about Magic is that he was a hell of a team player. Nowadays, the best players want to keep the attention on them (not a problem, it creates some amazing plays), but you'd be looking a while to find a player that _could_ dunk and score to his heart's content, but decides in passing at the last millisecond to simply look cool and make his teammates look cooler. What a fucking legend.
When Magic came into the NBA as a 6' 9" guard, he revolutionized the game! Then you add Larry Bird to the mix, the 80's was the best era for basketball. Magic was simply to big and skilled for anyone to stop him!!
@@TheOnefalcon07 Bird always said that Magic was the best player ever, even better than Jordan and Magic thought Bird was the best player ever! I preferred both of them over Jordan because they made everyone they played with better with their astonishing passing!...And one other thing: The NBA let Jordan break the rules by carrying the ball & traveling...Watch all these highlights and Magic never once carried the ball or traveled! Same with Bird! Both guys played the game the way it was meant to be played!
@@tommyrawlings3046 I couldn't agree more about Jordan. I loved the Magic show and his rivalry with Bird. Another I would add is Doctor J. He was smooth... nobody has ever played like him since.
Second greatest player I’ve ever seen, and also involved in the greatest rivalry in sports I’ve ever seen. All respect to magic. Coming from a Celtics fan
My favorite player ever. The Magic man delivered us championships through the 80s, when I went from being an 8 year old just getting into basketball until I was a senior in high school. Then my freshman year at UCLA, looking forward to years of battling the hated Bulls, suddenly it was all over. Career cut way too short and yet he was still considered the best point guard ever, and still is in my opinion. Because he did exactly what a point guard is supposed to do. He made everyone around him better; he only took matters into his own hands when he had to, and then he had such a will to win and was so creative he usually left the other team shaking their heads in disbelief. The baby skyhook against the Celts in Boston to win it all was just…just…the balls on that guy though. Icewater for blood, the Proto-Mamba. The ultimate competitor but off the court the guy with the hugest smile even non-basketball fans knew. He was the glue that made Showtime so special, and with all respect to Kobe, who I loved so much and still do, it’s gotta be Earvin Magic Johnson who made basketball the most special for me personally.
Nobody that big ever played like that before. Magic was 6'9'' playing guard in the '80s. He filled in at center any time they needed him to. He was probably their best center! I was a Celtics fan, but I liked the whole Laker team, except for Kareem. Everybody remembers the offense, but I remember the defense. Any time they wanted, they could dial up the full-court press and just suffocate opponents. Make them fight just to make it to half court, and turn every rebound into a fast-break. I was rooting for the other guys, but that was a thing of beauty.
As a Lakers season ticket holder from the 79-80 season thru the 2011-12 season, I saw the Lakers win 10 chips during that time... and to this day, Magic is still my all-time favorite player. My personal goat. The Showtime Lakers of the 80's were truly special.
Magic is and always will be my GOAT! He made me love basketball.I was blessed to see him play against the Cavs ( which was a blow out for the Lakers )back in the 82-83 or 83-84 season at Cleveland. I was amazed. And I will cherish watching him and the Lakers for as long as i am.
He may not be the goat.. But damn sure should be in the Debate ... Irony is He's a victim of making his team mates & team better. A more selfish Magic would have stood out more individually.
It's like when I try to explain to kids these days how good John Elway was and they automatically want to go check the stats, and I'm like "Forget the stats!". Similar with Magic, yeah he wasn't dropping 40pt games on the regular but the guy is definitely a Mt Rushmore of basketball type of player.
Johnson's height gave him a built-in advantage over any guard he faced and gave the appearance of him 'bullying' smaller players. However, there's no denying his greatness - and when you review the tapes you realize he wasn't bullying shorter players but in fact was 'doing his thing' against opponents' forwards and centers (McHale, etc.). Dude was fantastic.
He actually played as a centre when Karim was injured in the finals and score some 40 points or something..had a good 30 rebounds I think as well... lol..The guy was Magic.
That wasnt my experience with him. As a teen magic was my favorite player. We waited for the players to come out after a game. There were around ten kids total and he wouldn't sign one autograph and telling us "I ain't got time for this shit" while literally slapping pens out of kids hands. He was an asshole. Other players like worthy, cooper, rambis, and pat riley signed autographs for everyone that night. He could of had a bad day I dont know. Now clyde Drexler on the other hand nicest athlete I ever met
Crazy he dominated with average speed and no hops. He was big like a power forward but had the handles and grace of a guard. His vision and anticipation were off the charts. He got the most out of what God blessed him with.
Well done. As a lifelong Lakers fan, some of my earliest memories are my parents screaming at the television as the Lakers snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against the Bill Russell Celtics. Crushing Boston on their home floor in '85 after the debacle of the '84 finals. I was waiting for the Jump Hook. Nice to see it made the top spot, as is fitting.
Magic is not just a 5 time NBA champion player, he put sport into a show where show time comes from and that's what LA represents in the world - city of entertainment. If Jordan is the greatest player in basketball, Russell is the greatest championship winner, Olajuwon is the greatest defender, Kobe is the most hard working and educational basketball player, VC the greatest dunker, Iverson the greatest dribbler, Curry and Durant are the greatest shooters, LeBron and Pippen are the greatest all rounder, O'Neil and Champlain are the most dominant basketball player ,then Magic would be the greatest leader in basketball 🏀, salute to all of them.
I was a Celtic fan but when a friend called and said he had tickets to the Knicks/Lakers at MSG which were nearly impossible to get I said *of course I want to see Magic* . We sat in the 10th row from the court and YES ...I AM BRAGGING!!
Que bueno que están poniendo estas jugadas, las vi todas por la televisión en ese mismo momento, para mí fue el mejor jugador de la NBA. Dios bendiga a Magic Johnson.
It was a delight to watch him during the eighties. Had the chance to watch him in a exhibition game in early 90's, after his retirement, and the guy still had the touch.
Nice set of highlights. There was something about the superstars from that era that were just unreal. Todays athletes are absolutely incredible, but nothing beats the Magic/Bird/MJ era
Im continually amazed at his awareness of the people around him and athletecism.... What is really crazy to me is how the people around him kept up! He was so quick and athletic, i dont know how they realized in a split second he was doing a crazy mid-air wrap around, and the ball was about to suddenly be in their hands.
@@josephjoestar6679 I can tell you're stupid....totally different set of rules and style of play....this current era is physically inferior to the 80's and 90's style....but magic was an open court player, he'd average 15+ assist a game with today's open style...curry couldn't handle the physicality of magic's era...not all about scoring and shooting 30 footers!!...
I'm a white boy who can shoot, but can't run or jump, so I really appreciate two black players, Magic Johnson & Earl the Pearl Monroe who could do everythig that I, all of us, dreamed of doing. They were so good at what they did & it was so entertaining that it was impossible to be jealous. Looking back on it, I'm not only glad I saw them in person; I'm grateful that they are on TH-cam anytime I want to see them again. I should also say that Larry Bird was on a par with them.
Not too much of a basketball fan BUT I always appreciated the athleticism from guys like Magic Johnson, The Big O, Pistol Pete, and even more so from the little guys like Spud Webb, Muggsy Bogues and Bob Cousy. Of course Michael Jordan's name is spotlighted when the subject of basketball comes up, but sometimes takes away from the other greats I just mentioned.
As a huge Celtics fan growing up in the 80s, my favorite player, of course, was and still is Larry Bird. But even though the Lakers were the enemy and I basically hated them, my #2 favorite player was (and still is) Magic Johnson! The rivalry between these two great players and great men breathed new life to the NBA and to the sport of basketball in general and paved the way for a super-talented southern kid to enter and take it to even bigger heights. It also made me a fan of basketball for ever. It really warms my heart to have seen the rivalry between Larry Legend and Magic Johnson blossom into a relationship of huge respect and eventually a great friendship as well!
That's four periods, which I would argue is a bit excessive. Here's how I arrived at that total. Counting from the word "ever" we see an actual period, then the word "period" twice, followed by another actual period. Also, I don't agree that it's the greatest NBA shot ever. And I was a huge fan who watched it live. For one thing, there was an easy pass to Kareem, so I'd argue that Magic made up his mind too soon. For another, it's just not that great a shot. Ever see Steph Curry play?
I went through the 90’s as a huge Bulls/Jordan fan, but there was never any doubt that Magic was a special talent, and one of the best players of all time.
Getting 100 here. Pretty much everything that Magic did was special. He is truly one of the greatest ever to play the game. From his 42 points, 15 boards, 7 assists in the 1980 finals, the the skyhook that he shot over Kevin Mchale(however it's spelled) in the 87 finals. To leading a CBA worthy roster(excluding Worthy) to the NBA finals against Jordan's stacked Bulls. Clearly, even ill, Magic was really something extremely very special. Yeah, DEF one of the GOAT players in NBA history
And it is important to consider that the finals that finals that he loses were against super teams like the Bad Boys, Celtics of Larry Bird and Philadelphia 76 of Dr. J and Moses Malone.
Great list, should have been longer, and believe me when I say there were many more not on this list as great as Magic was. Hearing Chicky Baby on every play only made this list more epic. Thanks.
Was looking forward to this fast break,where Magic looked Hard at a teammate to his left,then threw a no-look to a teammate ahead,to his Right😳(best no-look pass I've ever seen🤯)
My childhood relived. So many plays...that his halfcourt one-hander with 1 second left against the Bullets in 1988-89 to send it to overtime couldn't even make the list.
For me in sports it not only what you do but morseo how you do it. This guy made basketball sooooooooooo beautiful.... And an amazing personality to go along with it. There will always be debates of the greatest of all time but there will always be the undebatable "Magic"..
A magia das pessoas acontecem de forma de que nem sequer saibamos como acontece, porém ele nos deu o presente, de suas cestas magníficas seja de ( ala , pivô, ou de qualquer outra posição e ainda não esqueceu de mencionar o seu colega de quadra, que estava lesionado, Magic, você nos trouxe magia nas emoções do seu basquete obrigado cara.
When i was junior high school i heard about him... In 1997 he came to jakarta indonesia... He played againts the best club in Indonesia and one the biggest club Aspac Jakarta... Oww he played so incredible... For me
Back when 2 steps meant 2 steps, not 2 steps plus however many you want to take to "gather" the ball into some kind of fully held position. It's amazing how good some of these guys were back then while actually having to dribble up until the end of their possession.
Nossa, época que era uma magia de acompanhar a maioria dos esportes, os caras eram magos, espalhava magia nos jogos, hoje em dia é só força e velocidade.
As a Nuggets fan born in 1991, Magic is my favorite player I never got to see play. I've sat down and watched entire games, because I think that's the only way you truly appreciate what he did. Absolute poetry on the court. Like Nikola Jokić! (sorry, couldn't resist)
I literally had to stop go back and slow it down to see how the hell he did those moves. Mind you I watched him in College and said he’s going to be unstoppable 🏀 at 6’9” and can dribble,pass, run the floor, shoot and defend truly a GOAT 🏀
most underrated player ever ..... he would be dominant in any era, included the actual one the 1st artist of the game and 9 Finals in 12 years ..... absolutely top. In the top 5 ever, the PG role is his without any doubt
@@bastousien NO you mean Lebron.. a guy that reaches finals almost every year as the team leader and ball handler. Durant is not close to either of them in either regard.
Who says he is Underrated? Many including me think he was the best player of 80’s and five rings and a college title and he is easily a top 5-10 player: Players I think was better: Jordan Lebron Kareem, Russel off top of my head but if people think he is one of greatest, ok even though He was the best of his generation and let’s leave it there
but UK encourages all. basketball and nfl regular seasons are held there. they play rugby too. cricket is the national sports but soccer is the popular one.
Lakers were so good back then (team game) and Magic was able to help his team so many ways. He had very few hiccup moments that so many of the other top greats could not avoid. He also played when the league might have been at its most competitive. I'd argue that the 5 titles Magic and the Lakers earned during this time may have been the most difficult 5 for any other player/team.
I think the 84 Finals would be his lowest point before ascending to beat player of 80’s (with Bird being like 1B, but I think Magic was just slightly better due to being a better athlete
FUN FACT: Magic Johnson is the only player to ever win a championship and Finals MVP during his ROOKIE SEASON.
Max Benoit he was so fun to watch during that dynasty of the 80’s. Good times!
Right on point
Max Benoit put ben simmons in the 80s
Cheryl Gaona how old r h
Max Benoit not true my myplayer Adrian ingles won a finals mvp in his rookie season
A player that not only was great himself but made players around him better too. A true Legend.
Definition of a True Point Guard.
Since the 1990's basketball rules were changed so that games required interaction by all team members, rather than depending on single star players.
Who exactly did he make better? Kareem? Worthy? Byron Scott? McAdoo? Thompson?
3 were the number 1 overall pick the other 2 top 5.
@@matthewreilly8831 What does being a number 1 overall pick have to do with anything? the logic is none existent on this one
@@matthewreilly8831 Matthew really? Are you ok
Being from LA and being a Lakers fan, Magic was and still is my favorite player. Watching him play was like watching poetry in motion. He could have been like Jordan, but he was unselfish in the sense that he wanted the players around him to be involved and share in on the glory. If you had even the slightest advantage to score, Magic had no problem making that pass. And who he is off the court....just an awesome guy with the biggest smile. A great player, but an even more amazing human being. 👍
He definite could not have been like Jordan, his just on another level
@@leoyu2101 You’re right. Jordan would never make that pass unlike Magic. Jordan was the ultimate 1v1 player while Magic was the ultimate team player. Mad respect for both guys, but I’d rather hang out with Magic than Jordan based off their personalities.
I'm in Italy and not in LA and being a Lakers and a Magic fan too, I had the fortune of having seen him playing in Milan in 1994.
To me the Basketball made as a man, absolute poetry and talent, I agree 100% with your vision.
If I showed this to my son he would think I wrote it.
Since the 1990's the rules of basketball were changed so that teams could no longer depend on superstar players but all members had to work together to win.
The style that i admire the most in basketball. Free flowing, great disguise, unselfish. Absolutely incredible.
Oh great at least i have one trait. Great disguise. I am so great that no one notices me in the court and i contribute nothing for the team
You may not understand this but watching Magic brings tears to my eyes. That's just how much impact he had as a master of his craft.
I just got a tear. IDK why? 🏀 Magic. I didn't develop an appreciation for his SKILLS until I got older. Never a Laker fan. But I love his passion and smile for the game itself...
I get man, I really do.
I feel you
Same here...combination of his greatness and R.I.P to my youth lol
I understand
Forgot just how good he was. He could have scored many more points in his career if he had wanted to but he was the ultimate team player..
timtglf Post the video. I wanna see em.
timtglf and he could play any position. Imo the 🐐
I always say he's was the best Ultimate Team Player (Match Maker).
He would’ve scored more if not for AIDS
He best ever Point God
He made basketball exciting to watch because he dominated the game by involving his teammates in so many ways! Anyone playing in team sports would want a player like Magic.
After Magic retired, lost interest in basketball. Him playing made it fun to watch. Great compilation. Wonderful hearing Chick Hearn again. Thanks.
Wonder if I'll say the same after Steph retires??
What can you say about Magic.He made it look so easy.I AM 74 YEARS OLD NOW.AFTER HAVING SEEN BIRD MAGIC AND JORDAN. I AM CONVINCED WE WILL NEVER SEE THE LIKES OF THEM AGAIN.WHAT A ERA IT WAS.
Ur loss.
They were absolutely great, but so are the players now. You can sit in your bubble and not appreciate the game for what it is now, or you can watch and enjoy. I guarantee magic, Jordan, and bird are watching
@@normanrappaport6683 you will someone will come and emulate them and also just growup having that natural aura
I was lucky enough to watch him in college and his whole professional career. He was special. My GOAT!!
Me too, I was 9 when he won the NCAA Championship, and he's the reason I'm a Laker fan today. Great memories
Curry>
I could watch Magic highlights all day long. It was always "Show time!" You could tell he enjoyed the game and made the fans love it too! It was always FAN-tastic!
That last one still hurts. I am a big Celtics fan, but I respect greatness when I see it.
I hate the Celtics But as a grown man i have learned to respect all of their legends.. Danny Larry Kev have broke my heart numerous times. Found out Danny was one of the best high school athletes ever and i found out how many moves Kev had and i already knew about Bird.. One of the best teams of all time
Lakers fan here. Those were the best finals series ever. Map props to Bird, Parish, DJohnson and the other HOFers on those Celtics teams
@@DJ-uc8mk McHale was one of the most fun players ever to watch with the way he broke defenders down in the post
That's what was great about bb back then, they played to win, not for showmanship like today. There is no longer respect between players in the NBA, and only getting worse. Refs don't even make correct calls themselves. Game is getting worse.
Same situation for Larry Bird. He was a great Celtic that I had respect for due to his respect for Magic Johnson.
1980 Finals. Magic playing Center for an injured Kareem is forever my greatest memory. Not only did they win but he was MVP. Btw. He was a rookie. This is why Magic was the most valuable player to ever wear a uniform. He could do anything at the highest level
Game 6. 42-15 stat line.
i agree with you. kareem had migraines and stayed in LA. Magic did what no other non center has ever done,let alone a guard. 42 and 15. WOW!
i agree with you. kareem had migraines and stayed in LA. Magic did what no other non center has ever done,let alone a guard. 42 and 15. WOW!
@@tomgardner8825 Didn't Kareem have an ankle injury?
@@graciescottsdale Yes In game 5 and a bad one.
Yes, Jordan did not impact his team instantly like Magic as a rookie that's why Magic is still one the best ever.
Man, the best thing about Magic is that he was a hell of a team player. Nowadays, the best players want to keep the attention on them (not a problem, it creates some amazing plays), but you'd be looking a while to find a player that _could_ dunk and score to his heart's content, but decides in passing at the last millisecond to simply look cool and make his teammates look cooler. What a fucking legend.
When Magic came into the NBA as a 6' 9" guard, he revolutionized the game! Then you add Larry Bird to the mix, the 80's was the best era for basketball. Magic was simply to big and skilled for anyone to stop him!!
80's were one of the golden ages of basketball. Skill and popularity wise
Magic and Bird saved the NBA. I dont care what anyone says... those are 2 of my top 3 of all time
@@TheOnefalcon07 Bird always said that Magic was the best player ever, even better than Jordan and Magic thought Bird was the best player ever! I preferred both of them over Jordan because they made everyone they played with better with their astonishing passing!...And one other thing: The NBA let Jordan break the rules by carrying the ball & traveling...Watch all these highlights and Magic never once carried the ball or traveled! Same with Bird! Both guys played the game the way it was meant to be played!
@@tommyrawlings3046 I couldn't agree more about Jordan. I loved the Magic show and his rivalry with Bird. Another I would add is Doctor J. He was smooth... nobody has ever played like him since.
@@elrond3737 yeah Dr. J was amazing! Especially in ABA before his knee start ef getting bad!
Second greatest player I’ve ever seen, and also involved in the greatest rivalry in sports I’ve ever seen. All respect to magic. Coming from a Celtics fan
Magic was the total package , he was a floor general with a ball handle that could light a candle .. magic 🌠
My favorite player ever. The Magic man delivered us championships through the 80s, when I went from being an 8 year old just getting into basketball until I was a senior in high school. Then my freshman year at UCLA, looking forward to years of battling the hated Bulls, suddenly it was all over. Career cut way too short and yet he was still considered the best point guard ever, and still is in my opinion. Because he did exactly what a point guard is supposed to do. He made everyone around him better; he only took matters into his own hands when he had to, and then he had such a will to win and was so creative he usually left the other team shaking their heads in disbelief. The baby skyhook against the Celts in Boston to win it all was just…just…the balls on that guy though. Icewater for blood, the Proto-Mamba. The ultimate competitor but off the court the guy with the hugest smile even non-basketball fans knew. He was the glue that made Showtime so special, and with all respect to Kobe, who I loved so much and still do, it’s gotta be Earvin Magic Johnson who made basketball the most special for me personally.
Nobody that big ever played like that before. Magic was 6'9'' playing guard in the '80s. He filled in at center any time they needed him to. He was probably their best center!
I was a Celtics fan, but I liked the whole Laker team, except for Kareem.
Everybody remembers the offense, but I remember the defense. Any time they wanted, they could dial up the full-court press and just suffocate opponents. Make them fight just to make it to half court, and turn every rebound into a fast-break. I was rooting for the other guys, but that was a thing of beauty.
MAGIC JOHNSON IS not only a Lakers Legend but an NBA legend forever
His style of.play fits in international competition :)
On Rushmore after the goat, bill and wilt
As a Lakers season ticket holder from the 79-80 season thru the 2011-12 season, I saw the Lakers win 10 chips during that time... and to this day, Magic is still my all-time favorite player. My personal goat. The Showtime Lakers of the 80's were truly special.
Magic is and always will be my GOAT! He made me love basketball.I was blessed to see him play against the Cavs ( which was a blow out for the Lakers )back in the 82-83 or 83-84 season at Cleveland. I was amazed. And I will cherish watching him and the Lakers for as long as i am.
MAN!!! Even the rival teams and fans watch in awe!!! Geez, that guy’s skills were amazing!!!
I love this. He's my all time favorite of any sport.
Magic was really the greatest player of all time. he could do anything on the court. he could have been a hall of famer at any position.
I think one year the awards were like: "Best this and that that his name is NOT Magic......" for EVERY position!!!
The greatest player of ll time is named Bill Russell.
He would still dominate today but these youngsters would probably argue that!
He may not be the goat..
But damn sure should be in the Debate ...
Irony is He's a victim of making his team mates & team better.
A more selfish Magic would have stood out more individually.
LeBron is Way more Magic than he is Jordan...and almost the same finals record.
Suas jogadas fazem a gente chorar de emocao!
The Best PG of all time and the most talented player of all time. It's a Magical Player.....
"He's got eyes in his ears" 😂
Respect, old Chicky baby👌👍💯🙏
The immortal Chick Hearn!
Highschool, college and NBA champion over a 4 year span! Legendary!!!!
Watching Magic brought more joy to my life than watching any other athlete that's ever lived.
Right!💯
You would have loved watching Bo Jackson play... he was maybe the most special natural born athlete that ever lived.
Magic was the greatest player of all time in my opinion -- at least on offense. His impact on an entire team is immeasurable!
@@donarthiazi2443 I've been a raider fan since 1969. I very much enjoyed watching Bo Jackson play.
It's good to come back and be reminded of the greatness of Magic.
It's like when I try to explain to kids these days how good John Elway was and they automatically want to go check the stats, and I'm like "Forget the stats!". Similar with Magic, yeah he wasn't dropping 40pt games on the regular but the guy is definitely a Mt Rushmore of basketball type of player.
Johnson's height gave him a built-in advantage over any guard he faced and gave the appearance of him 'bullying' smaller players. However, there's no denying his greatness - and when you review the tapes you realize he wasn't bullying shorter players but in fact was 'doing his thing' against opponents' forwards and centers (McHale, etc.). Dude was fantastic.
He actually played as a centre when Karim was injured in the finals and score some 40 points or something..had a good 30 rebounds I think as well... lol..The guy was Magic.
Magic was the Lebron of his day
One of the best basketball players in history. Also, the nicest basketball player in history. ❤️
He’s very kind. I met him and was shocked at how kind he was
That wasnt my experience with him. As a teen magic was my favorite player. We waited for the players to come out after a game. There were around ten kids total and he wouldn't sign one autograph and telling us "I ain't got time for this shit" while literally slapping pens out of kids hands. He was an asshole. Other players like worthy, cooper, rambis, and pat riley signed autographs for everyone that night. He could of had a bad day I dont know. Now clyde Drexler on the other hand nicest athlete I ever met
Crazy he dominated with average speed and no hops. He was big like a power forward but had the handles and grace of a guard. His vision and anticipation were off the charts. He got the most out of what God blessed him with.
Well said
Magic was super fast when he ran the break though. He was dominant at full speed as well as with his half-court style play
I literally couldn't even see half the passes come out his hands. Lol
Facts
We can’t see the ball on the screen half the time cuz these clips are so old
Yea, 75p is tough on the eyes.
@MAN UTD Ok and? Did you really just come on a basketball video just to say that. The original comment didn't have anything to do with soccer.
@@skeletonofflavor2716 Don't listen to him. He has multiple accounts where he says shit like that and insults other sports.
Lakers fan for life. Thank you Magic for giving us so many cheers, happiness, and joy during your reign. LA WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.
Thank you. He's my all time favourite player. Saw him play once at the forum. He made the game fun ^^
Well done. As a lifelong Lakers fan, some of my earliest memories are my parents screaming at the television as the Lakers snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against the Bill Russell Celtics. Crushing Boston on their home floor in '85 after the debacle of the '84 finals. I was waiting for the Jump Hook. Nice to see it made the top spot, as is fitting.
You have to rewind and play in slow motion to keep up with MAGIC!!! 🏀👍🏾
💯 FACTS!!!
Magic is not just a 5 time NBA champion player, he put sport into a show where show time comes from and that's what LA represents in the world - city of entertainment. If Jordan is the greatest player in basketball, Russell is the greatest championship winner, Olajuwon is the greatest defender, Kobe is the most hard working and educational basketball player, VC the greatest dunker, Iverson the greatest dribbler, Curry and Durant are the greatest shooters, LeBron and Pippen are the greatest all rounder, O'Neil and Champlain are the most dominant basketball player ,then Magic would be the greatest leader in basketball 🏀, salute to all of them.
Forgot Bird. Better than Pippen as an all grounder easily.
I loved Magic. I stopped watching basketball when he lost to the Bulls. I never got over it. Magic and Kareem were my childhood.
Not a bad childhood!! Bird, Parish & McHale were my childhood. So glad we grew up in that era of basketball.
I was a Celtic fan but when a friend called and said he had tickets to the Knicks/Lakers at MSG which were nearly impossible to get I said *of course I want to see Magic* . We sat in the 10th row from the court and YES ...I AM BRAGGING!!
Rite!💯
Que bueno que están poniendo estas jugadas, las vi todas por la televisión en ese mismo momento, para mí fue el mejor jugador de la NBA. Dios bendiga a Magic Johnson.
It was a delight to watch him during the eighties. Had the chance to watch him in a exhibition game in early 90's, after his retirement, and the guy still had the touch.
RIP Kobe
😓😓
Evan R - Mif0rcliEn at least he’s was better than you so phuk you to
wrong video
joe blow no it’s not
Bob Ross it is shut up
Nice set of highlights. There was something about the superstars from that era that were just unreal. Todays athletes are absolutely incredible, but nothing beats the Magic/Bird/MJ era
The greatest playmaker to ever play the game.
Im continually amazed at his awareness of the people around him and athletecism....
What is really crazy to me is how the people around him kept up! He was so quick and athletic, i dont know how they realized in a split second he was doing a crazy mid-air wrap around, and the ball was about to suddenly be in their hands.
The best in history
💯
So effortless his game looked.amazing
John Stockton may have the assist record but Magic is the most exciting passer in the history of the game. He made the no look pass popular.
Cousy made the no look pass popular. Coaches didn't like it. Jack McKinney came up with Showtime.
Being a life long Lakers fan I would love go back in time relive the glory years of Magic and Chickie baby. The voice of the Lakers.
One of the best passers ever!
he is the best
Beez WaX Magic and Maravich..... the two best passers in NBA history imo.
Dont forgret to include stockton into that List
LeBrons the best passer
It's calles Magic..... It's the best PG in the history
As a PG, I always emulated my game after Magic's. Greatest PG of all time.
Best GOAT ever MAGIC J. 💜💛
Amazing no look passing skills. And that sky hook shot was simply un-guard-able when perfected.
That's why he's called Magic ✨
Imagine trying to stop a guy his size running the floor where you had to respect his passing ability just as much as his scoring ability.
He wasn't called "Magic" for nothing.
Chef curry better than Magic 100%, Magic would be Ben Simmons with no D in this era...
Curry better than Magic? Double "Hell noooooo"!
@@anthonymajor9410 watch more games, old man...
@@josephjoestar6679 I can tell you're stupid....totally different set of rules and style of play....this current era is physically inferior to the 80's and 90's style....but magic was an open court player, he'd average 15+ assist a game with today's open style...curry couldn't handle the physicality of magic's era...not all about scoring and shooting 30 footers!!...
@@Q.B.2.L.B. players in the 80s are much skinnier, go check the data u stupid......
I'm a white boy who can shoot, but can't run or jump, so I really appreciate two black players, Magic Johnson & Earl the Pearl Monroe who could do everythig that I, all of us, dreamed of doing. They were so good at what they did & it was so entertaining that it was impossible to be jealous. Looking back on it, I'm not only glad I saw them in person; I'm grateful that they are on TH-cam anytime I want to see them again. I should also say that Larry Bird was on a par with them.
Not too much of a basketball fan BUT I always appreciated the athleticism from guys like Magic Johnson, The Big O, Pistol Pete, and even more so from the little guys like Spud Webb, Muggsy Bogues and Bob Cousy. Of course Michael Jordan's name is spotlighted when the subject of basketball comes up, but sometimes takes away from the other greats I just mentioned.
What a great champion!
What a great Showman !
Awesome montage 👍
That's the way you play the game, high IQ spectacular performance, LET's GO!!! 🙏👌💪👍👋😎♠️
As a huge Celtics fan growing up in the 80s, my favorite player, of course, was and still is Larry Bird. But even though the Lakers were the enemy and I basically hated them, my #2 favorite player was (and still is) Magic Johnson! The rivalry between these two great players and great men breathed new life to the NBA and to the sport of basketball in general and paved the way for a super-talented southern kid to enter and take it to even bigger heights. It also made me a fan of basketball for ever.
It really warms my heart to have seen the rivalry between Larry Legend and Magic Johnson blossom into a relationship of huge respect and eventually a great friendship as well!
The most interesting part is when he did that sky hook right in front of Kareem
Kareem was wide open on the pick-and-go.
I think it was called the "junior, junior sky hook"
@Theodore 😀😀😀 I don't know what Kareem thought...(Your name reminds me of T-Bag of Prison Break)
@@chinedukeshi7282 Its called baby sky hook
@@chinedukeshi7282 . The baby skyhook lol.
Magic johnson hook shot, greatest nba shot ever. Period period .
That's four periods, which I would argue is a bit excessive.
Here's how I arrived at that total. Counting from the word "ever" we see an actual period, then the word "period" twice, followed by another actual period.
Also, I don't agree that it's the greatest NBA shot ever. And I was a huge fan who watched it live.
For one thing, there was an easy pass to Kareem, so I'd argue that Magic made up his mind too soon. For another, it's just not that great a shot. Ever see Steph Curry play?
What happened to nba reel everything is gone
I went through the 90’s as a huge Bulls/Jordan fan, but there was never any doubt that Magic was a special talent, and one of the best players of all time.
The fourth of all time, the goat is black jesus
To me, he will always be the best player to ever play in the NBA. His career ended too soon. Unselfish team player.
Dude is ass he would’ve been a Michael carter Williams in this ERA
@@Westoakland510 Absolutely clueless idiot.
@@fredthered1074 🤣🤣🤣
@@mattveteska8559 stop watch basketball
@@sebastiedjuan7468 why!?
Getting 100 here. Pretty much everything that Magic did was special. He is truly one of the greatest ever to play the game.
From his 42 points, 15 boards, 7 assists in the 1980 finals, the the skyhook that he shot over Kevin Mchale(however it's spelled) in the 87 finals. To leading a CBA worthy roster(excluding Worthy) to the NBA finals against Jordan's stacked Bulls. Clearly, even ill, Magic was really something extremely very special. Yeah, DEF one of the GOAT players in NBA history
as somebody not old enough to watch him play live. i can fully appreciate how he is one of the greatest.
Five rings in 11 years, cmon man, Magic is a Legend. The best point guard of all time and top 5 players of all time, period.
and 9 Finals man...... 9 f****ing Finals in 12 years.... crazy
@@et_m4204 perfect
And it is important to consider that the finals that finals that he loses were against super teams like the Bad Boys, Celtics of Larry Bird and Philadelphia 76 of Dr. J and Moses Malone.
@@quimicageneralenaccion16 agree
@@quimicageneralenaccion16 You forgot to mention, Mike and Scottie......
Magic could play in this era and still his passes would be better den half we seen
Jay Bundles you lied
Better than half? Lol, today's NBA is a joke.
Agree
Damn better than half does that mean magic is average in today's nba.
He’d be a Ben Simmons in today’s league
Simple but great
One of the Greatest NBA Players in History! #LivingLegend
My favorite player of all time. Sick No Look Passes!
I always loved how after game winning shots my Lakers run straight off the court and into the dressing room!!! NBA action was Fantastic!!!
That's because they wanted to get off the court before the fans pulled on them, which they did back in the day
@@izzonj Truth!! It's still a great trademark...
Best sports times of my life. Born in L.A. and miss going to the forum
The GREATEST and the most effervescent player to ever play the game.
Awesome video. Loved hearing chickie baby again
Great list, should have been longer, and believe me when I say there were many more not on this list as great as Magic was. Hearing Chicky Baby on every play only made this list more epic. Thanks.
I was doing that running sky hook as a kid with the nerf basketball. Magic was a goat. Bird/Magic 80's era was something else.
Was looking forward to this fast break,where Magic looked Hard at a teammate to his left,then threw a no-look to a teammate ahead,to his Right😳(best no-look pass I've ever seen🤯)
My childhood relived. So many plays...that his halfcourt one-hander with 1 second left against the Bullets in 1988-89 to send it to overtime couldn't even make the list.
After that skyhook by Magic, with 2 seconds left, Bird got wide open on the inbound pass and just missed from the corner. Glory days as a Laker fan.
He wasnt that wide open,worthy was all over him
@@mattveteska8559 and yet it was so close (and far away) from going in
@@andu1854 don't remind me,I had many sleepless nights over that game
For me in sports it not only what you do but morseo how you do it.
This guy made basketball sooooooooooo beautiful.... And an amazing personality to go along with it. There will always be debates of the greatest of all time but there will always be the undebatable "Magic"..
Magic is among the best 5 NBA players of all time
I think he is 4
@@lukegalati6822 Can't Argue with that.
I actually have him tied with LeBron, they almost have Identical finals records.
Actually top 3
MJ
LeBron
Magic
@@ROZWAY_II that’s facts
@@ROZWAY_II Lebron!!!
😂😂😂
He is not even among the best 10
A magia das pessoas acontecem de forma de que nem sequer saibamos como acontece, porém ele nos deu o presente, de suas cestas magníficas seja de ( ala , pivô, ou de qualquer outra posição e ainda não esqueceu de mencionar o seu colega de quadra, que estava lesionado, Magic, você nos trouxe magia nas emoções do seu basquete obrigado cara.
Number 1 ranking in this film is the moment which every NBA fans from '80s never forget😁
Why?
When i was junior high school i heard about him... In 1997 he came to jakarta indonesia... He played againts the best club in Indonesia and one the biggest club Aspac Jakarta... Oww he played so incredible... For me
Back when 2 steps meant 2 steps, not 2 steps plus however many you want to take to "gather" the ball into some kind of fully held position. It's amazing how good some of these guys were back then while actually having to dribble up until the end of their possession.
watched a ton of 80's basketball. What a great college and pro era.
Nossa, época que era uma magia de acompanhar a maioria dos esportes, os caras eram magos, espalhava magia nos jogos, hoje em dia é só força e velocidade.
Infelizmente!...
As a Nuggets fan born in 1991, Magic is my favorite player I never got to see play. I've sat down and watched entire games, because I think that's the only way you truly appreciate what he did. Absolute poetry on the court.
Like Nikola Jokić! (sorry, couldn't resist)
I literally had to stop go back and slow it down to see how the hell he did those moves. Mind you I watched him in College and said he’s going to be unstoppable 🏀 at 6’9” and can dribble,pass, run the floor, shoot and defend truly a GOAT 🏀
EXACTLY, Me too!!!!
most underrated player ever ..... he would be dominant in any era, included the actual one
the 1st artist of the game and 9 Finals in 12 years ..... absolutely top.
In the top 5 ever, the PG role is his without any doubt
@@bastousien NO you mean Lebron.. a guy that reaches finals almost every year as the team leader and ball handler. Durant is not close to either of them in either regard.
Who says he is Underrated? Many including me think he was the best player of 80’s and five rings and a college title and he is easily a top 5-10 player:
Players I think was better:
Jordan Lebron Kareem, Russel off top of my head but if people think he is one of greatest, ok even though He was the best of his generation and let’s leave it there
@@andu1854 Only stupid kids like that idiot calls Magic Fcking Johnson underrated.
The greatest of all time for me. We love basketball in Hungary and Transylvania strange that it’s not such a big sport here in the uk
but UK encourages all. basketball and nfl regular seasons are held there. they play rugby too.
cricket is the national sports but soccer is the popular one.
#9 takes the cake for me.
lot of iconic moments, allstar games etc but pound for pound that move was sick, wicked and nasty.
The Golden Era of the NBA. I miss those days. Back when the NBA was not political.
This is good, even the bad video is part of the memories. Man, tv--especially recorded VCR programming... was totally in need of upgrading in the 80s.
He’s a legend 👊🏾
Lakers were so good back then (team game) and Magic was able to help his team so many ways. He had very few hiccup moments that so many of the other top greats could not avoid. He also played when the league might have been at its most competitive. I'd argue that the 5 titles Magic and the Lakers earned during this time may have been the most difficult 5 for any other player/team.
I think the 84 Finals would be his lowest point before ascending to beat player of 80’s (with Bird being like 1B, but I think Magic was just slightly better due to being a better athlete