I had the pleasure of meeting Magic Johnson in New Orleans, during an NBA Allstar weekend. Growing up as a Laker fan, finally meeting him, shaking his hand and taking a picture with him was priceless. Magic was everything I knew he would be, a straight up laid back dude with a whole lot of class and flair. In my eyes he'll always be the G.O.A.T !
Magic is the 1980's greatest PG but No PG was better than Oscar Robertson until Lebron James!!! Magic inherited a super team with Kareem& Worthy. Magic didn't have the overall ability like Oscar & Lebron plus they rarely, mention the defensive ability of some of these great perimeter players. The truly great players can do it at both ends of the floor!!!
OH YEAH ME TOO PERIOD 🎯I USE TO CRY 😢WHEN THEY LOSE AGAINST THE BOSTON EVERYTIME I HATED TO SEE LARRY BIRD AND THEM DARN BOSTONS BUT IT WAS PURE ENTERTAINMENT AND I LOVE IT
One thing I admire is, how Magic and Bird are quite honest about how they felt, least they seem like the are genuinely honest to me, this is the stuff I like about some sports, talking about it and the unpredictability of the whole thing
In 1979 I was a freshman student at Michigan State when Magic Johnson led the Spartans to the NCAA Championship. Magic was a very approachable guy with all the students.
Earvin was a passer first, and a leader. He could play all positions and his versatility was unparalleled. Magic's weak spot coming out of MSU was his shooting, but he made himself into a scorer, particularly a clutch scorer. The best point guard, and the best player ever. If you had one player to build a team around, he'd be your guy.
And You are so Right. He could and would get the ball to the "right" guy and if no one was open he'd Do it Himself!! That's why they call him Magic. My all time favorite Laker, but I'm a Lakers fan 4ever, since Kareem Abdul Jabbar arrived.
Magic was definitely my favorite player of all time. That NCAA finals was the first college game that I ever watched. I've been a fan of Magic ever since.
I was a young kid growing up in the era of Magic & Bird. I was just a short, flat-footed kid, who was always a little stocky and a little bit chubby - but watching Magic play was so much fun that I was always on the court trying to do some of the things he did. Behind the back dribbling, no look passing, fake a one hand pass right and dish left, low post hook shots. Whenever I played pickup ball at the park, if there was a teammate that I'd never played with before, there were pretty good odds that I'd hit him in the face or the chest with a pass that he wasn't expecting. It was a joy to get to watch him play. It absolutely broke my heart, when I learned that he had HIV. Back then, it was a death sentence and only a matter of time before someone was in the ground because of it. Learning how he contracted it thru the lifestyle that he lived, while married, was earth shattering to me. I still loved almost everything about him, but that really tore me up. Cookie is an amazing woman to have stuck with him and to be able to forgive him and move past all of that and to be there for him to help him through a time when his life was on the line. I learned as much from her actions about love and forgiveness as I did about playing basketball from watching Magic play.
I quit basketball after Junior High - I was never a good shooter or ball handler, but I was a demon on defense. But I was only 5' 3" in my first year of High School and the next shortest was 5' 8". I also did not have great "hops", so wrestling seemed like a better choice for me. I was accepted to Michigan State in 1980 - huge Magic fan, but I never thought to try to be like him - I knew I could not, other than in the desire to be the best at whatever you did. His lifestyle never bothered me - it is easy for us "mere mortals" to think we would be different and be holier than thou - I don't buy it. If you were a young man, and everywhere you went, 1,000 gorgeous women were begging to screw you, you really think you are going to say "No"? One part of me admires Cookie for waiting and accepting reality, but another part realizes that she knew she had a shot to marry one of the richest and most famous men in the nation. I have met Earvin twice, and I do not have a clue what his personal life is, so I make no judgments. I would like to think (and do) that her actions came from love. She could also be a gold digging whore - but I seriously doubt it. Magic realized (I think) that early on, he was not ready to commit to one person - and as far as I am concerned, that's fine. He didn't get married when he was 20 and then cheat for decades like so many do. What is wrong with waiting until you are ready? Sure, she might have chosen a different path, but I doubt that Magic would lack other possibilities when he did settle down. Also, he probably contracted HIV before he was married - not after.
The thing that separated Magic was his unselfishness. He didn't need to score nor did he look to score which set him apart from other players. Magic and Bird could control a game without shooting 25 or 30 shots a game unlike some guys.
Magic, Bird and Jordan were all greats. What I like about Magic is that his teammates enjoy playing with him and he made everyone else better. Jordan on the other hand would always put down (belittle, assault, taunt,) his teammates and his teammates hated to play with him.
I lived across the street from Everret Highschool for years in the early and mid 90's . Till this day you can still feel the Greatness and the Magical ora of that Hallowed Ground !
Anything you watch that can send you thru this many levels of emotions (high and low) is something you'll NEVER FORGET... I REALLY loved this documentary... thank you for blessing me with this 🙏 🙌
Its so ironic that the people that was on Magic's bandwagon turned on him in his greatest time of need. And, the person that was his greatest enemy and nemesis, Larry Bird, was the one that extended him compassion and love.
I agree but let's keep this 100%...Magic never had hiv back then they didn't have the suppression drugs and he didn't give it to his wife or their newborn baby...they paid him to say it cuz people back then believed only drug addicts and gay people could get it...aint knocking him he got paid to do it and it put out good information
That's Basketball 202 advanced lifestyle. It was a different time and it was only during this period when we would see this course, SO YOU HAD TO GET IT THEN (...or miss...) here goes: The Preamble Game invented, but boggs down from old instutionalism The 1st chapter, Bill Russell and key blacks, get in play/dominate and take over the field. 2nd chapter. Dr J uses credentials to lead and empower. 3rd chapter let's do it together as a league of people (Magic &Bird)* 4th Jordan era the blueprint, what to watch for etc
People often misdiagnose Magic's greatness. If Magic was playing with 4 other All Stars and Magic had a great game, EVERYONE HAD A GREAT GAME. That is a lot different from Jordan or Kobe. If Jordan or Kobe played great, often players had to step back. This is why I think Magic is the greatest ever. The unique quality of being able to put many great players around one player and then have those players play great, INVALUABLE.
Excellent point! Jordan was the best individual player, hungriest and most clutch with the game on the line. But it isn't an individual game, and in terms of having the greatest impact on a team winning, Magic was the best. He just made the team the best it could possibly be. The Bulls remained a great team after Jordan retired the first time. Sure, they were better with Jordan, but not so much worse without him. When Magic and Bird retired, their teams fell apart.
Yeah,that's why Kevin Mac said he and Magic were the best they could take 12 shots and still dominate a game. That's why LeBron was compared to Magic early on because he also can take 10-12 shots and dominate a game. A bad shooting night doesn't stop these kinda guys like it would Mike, Kobe, Kevin Durant etc because their scoring is the most important part of their games.
Jordan played angry, Magic played with a smile n his heart. They were both @ the top of their game n that manner. It goes 2 the psychological make up of the players themselves. Which goes 2 the coach knowing & understanding this a n out the dog. The team is going 2 take the make up of that lead Dog. B cause the style is different dont mean it can't b a winner. Magic & Mike had far different games Magic will wow U with a pass b 4 the basket is made. Another of guys got passes from Magic that didn't know they were open. The wow with Mike came with the process of the move that culminated n the making of the basket. Mike used only 45ft. of the floor. He wasn't shooting 65ft. 3's. Magic would make a 65ft. pass & 20 out of 20 times it's pin point dime & the player is n shooting motion. Magic used 94ft. Magic was multipurpose on the floor. Center, Small Forward, & Power Forward. Magic had a skyhook also. Mike first team all defensive team every year. Mike a better ball handler than Magic. Magic would put his body b tween U & the ball. Mike face U up have U slipping all over the floor. The best ever big point guard. Never put his body b tween U & the ball Penny Hardaway out of Memphis St. Penny take Ur ass 2 the rack & flush it on U 2. Chemistry on any type of team sport is a mind thing that turns n 2 the physical on the playing field. Pound 4 Pound best basketball player ever. (A I) Allen Iverson. Every baller loved him, b cause they knew The Truth. Look up true. truth & it's adjectives.
I know your comment is 2 years old but I've always said the same thing you did when Kobe or Jordan Hit 50 points they took enough shots to make a hundred but when you play with someone like magic everyone scores.. Magic was the greatest
What I liked about magic johnson was, that creating showtime . He got his entire team involved by sharing the basketball, next he then did his tricks. You got to see all your favorite players do their thing man. He was, so brilliant and unselfish player. Magic and Bird save the NBA sports. Magic and Bird will always bigger than life in their error.
That was great. I've been a Lakers fans since the 70's and I lived and dead with the championships and loses. It was good to see Magic do his his thing again and to see Larry legend drop those 3's and make those pin point pass look so effortless. I miss this style of basketball. Thanks for this video, it brought some goooood memories. #LAKERSFORLIFE, #LAKERSNATIONS.
Am MJ fan but gotta give it Magic's a class A player. Great ball handler and those smiles are infectious. He's one of my fave players, entertaining to watch as Jordan!
Carol Loris Same & I love watching them together on the dream team! Magic was a great guy cause instead of being bitter watching Jordan in the 92 finals he was so genuinely happy for Jordan playing & getting all the shine! Would be easy for magic to feel a different way after everything that just happend to him getting hiv & having to retire but like the classy guy he is he was nothing but happy! Amazing guy & that says so much about the person he is the family he came from.
U can feel how much love and respect Larry Bird has for Magic when he choke talking about the day he found out about Magic having H.I.V....that's true definition of friendship and brotherhood.
Play any position Guard , forward , specially won the championship against Philadelphia playing center he is really a great overall position ever in NBA history
I think Magic is the best of all time. He nearly avg. a triple-double, and even played center and still scored 42 points with 15 boards. If Lebron or Jordan only scored 10 points, you would likely think their team was going to lose the game, Magic brought something different though to the game, the court was a chess board and he knew where every piece was - he made the entire team better with his style of play. He could have an off night and only score only 10 points but the Lakers were dangerous because their best player didn't have to score 40 - 50 points to win. That's what made him special.
Larry Bird is my favorite, but this has changed my opinion of Ervin Johnson. It was well put together and Magic Johnson is now my second favorite player. I would have loved for these two to play on the same team for 10 years. It would have taken away the mystery of the two super stars.
Some of the best days were me & my pops watching the Lakers on TV with the volume down & Chick Hearn calling the game on the radio. We lived in Gardena & were about 20min from the Fabulous Forum! Remember when Magic took over from Storm'n Norman Nixon! My dad single parent raising a son. Thanks Pop RIP🙏🏿🤗
Thanks for posting this even though it was years ago. As we all now sit at home hoping that this virus passes it is great to have an uplifting story to watch. These two men didn't just change basketball they changed us. Thanks again.
Not really.. the White media needed a way to defuse the fact that magic beat him three times. Larry Bird they want to deal with this Negro he don't have nothing to do with his folks at least he was being for real it was Magic Johnson that felt this great need to be a part of his world I don't understand why Larry Bird ain't nothing but a man like everyone else is and that's all he is a racist low-down crack with no class. Like everything else in life he can K my a
I'm a lifelong celtics fan. They sell a lot of tickets now. But we couldn't draw flies until the playoffs said Red Auerbach about the Russell era. The NBA was a new competitor to the Red Sox, Bruins, college football and basketball. Then the Patriots. Magic Johnson was the more vp of he and Bird in my opinion. Winning the all star game three point shooting championship three times in a row at 6'-9" is more valuable now than it was then though
I love the 80'-90's players. Like each of them has specialty. They don't need to be all shooters like today. If you are a rebounder, then be good at that.
I have never seen an athlete in any sport play and compete with more joy and love than the Magic Man. No one has ever loved basketball more than Earvin. And that smile! Oh my God that "smile". Yes, he is the greatest point guard of all-time. I'm an old white guy who considers Magic as my favorite athlete in any sport.
I've always said Magic Johnson Greatest basketbal of alll times Michael Jordan basketball times Jerry West, best of all times . These guys are specialist not only in basketball but in psychology. and management.
If magic and bird didn't save the league there would be no god tier Jordan coming behind them Thanks magic and bird for holding the door open for the GOAT
@@teresawicks9859 I loved LA.....the Lakers were my team....Magic is the greatest player in NBA history.....and this is from a white male who shook his hand in 1991 at age 10. And didn't wash that hand for a week.
The guy was just a big guy and played the game with so much fluidity as he made other NBA Point Guards look like a Jr. High School player while guarding him. It was his size playing the Point like a Wizard full of tricks..
Thank you for this awesome upload!!! I was in tears for some of the parts in this video. This video just refreshed me on how great a basketball player, a man and a competitor magic johnson is. Thank you again!
Doggy Style ...You're right about Magic and Larry. However, it was Julius Winfield Erving II who revitalized the NBA, and pass the torch to Earvin Johnson, Jr. and Larry Joe Bird.
Mahmud Abdul rauf could of been a hall of famer if the NBA didn't blackball him...but society don't care about religion they care more about someone not agreeing with black live matters movement...apparently only black lives matter cuz the kings announcer got fired for saying all lives matter
There is no denying Magic's greatness and he was the leader of the great Laker teams of the 80s, and he always had the greatest talent surrounding him. He is the greatest point guard of all.
No one Denys Magic’s greatness but please put it in it’s correct category of what the make up that team. Any NBA player could have replaced Magic and the Lakers wouldn’t have lost a step. That’s a fact, Norm Nixon was a better point guard and Magic’s jealousy got Nixon traded. Plus Magic wasn’t a point Guard. All NBA point guards can break a press as it’s a high school tactic, but Magic could bring the ball up court against one player Dennis Johnson of the Celtics. Dennis Johnson stole Magic’s high tops, jock and his shorts. The Lakers never before used Cooper to play guard due to his terrible ball handling. Cooper was used as as all forward because of his defense. But he was faster coming up court than Magic. The Iceman is a all NBA super star as a guard but not a point guard for the same reason Magic’s vulnerability of slow high pat. Both are to slow to be point guards. Small guards would pick their pockets clean, yeah they are closer to the ground and can steal from high dribbles. WTFU. I give Magic kudos for fooling people into thinking erroneously of him as a point guard. Magic is great but stop kidding Yourself and use common sense.
@@xavierlejon1244 You just denied his greatness. You said any NBA player could have done what Magic did. I watched the man play the game, he didn't just play point guard, he took over games, and not just regular games, he took over championship games. We all have the right to our opinions, and that's it. Magic is by far the greatest point guard of all.
@@arautus I said what I said. And yes any NBA player could have replaced Magic and the Lakers with their line up would still have been as great. Don’t take My words and twist them. I didn’t say Magic was worthy of accomplishments. Magic deserved everything he he could. Now Dude get off that High Horse and stop dreaming. Actually that was a Nightmare. Thank You so much. 👺
Sitting here on 9/9/21 watching this and STILL crying for Magic. Like most fans, when I first heard that Magic was sick. If he had been an ego tripping a$$hole athlete, I wouldn't have given a rat's patootie about him. But Magic is different. He's a really, really nice person. And that makes all the difference.
Magic the Goat of point guards greates passer with great court vision and A smile that made him great for prime time he was a passing type guard who could score really well and take over the game and carry his team to a win like Bird and they had the greatest rivalry since Bill Russel and Wilt. Magic is a bad man and one that is still freinds with Jordan, magic had a super team with Kareem, Worthy and Byron Scott, what a great Lakers team.
Awesome video about magic he deserves all of the praises he can get in fact when people talk of the 🐐 and leave him "MAGIC" out of that conversation it's offensive for the fact that he wasn't the greatest of all time he is definitely amongst them top 5 with out a doubt.
After watching this, I now believe Magic has the case for being the GOAT if people will insist to have a GOAT in basketball. Winning championship in high school, college and NBA in 4 years is something special. He should have won the ROTY as well.
to that point, talk of Lebron J as the G.O.A.T. and comparison to MJ...Magic J disqualifies that talk! Lebron J comparison to any NBA Player, it would be Magic! ....and he is NOT better than Magic! 👀
LeBron also plays in a SOFT weak boring euro step, 3 pt era. Yeah people go nuts when I say this but LeBron isn’t even better than Magic or Bird forget about Michael Jordan.
Magic & Bird saved the NBA they are also the smart's ball players I ever saw. I consider them to be the Bobby Ore of B-ball they will never be replaced. But the greats B-ball player of all time is Bill Russell more rings than his fingers could hold.
A. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is not just the greatest point guard in history but the greatest team basketball player in NBA history. B. I tell people all the time Mr. Michael Jeffrey Jordan is the greatest individual player of all time. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is the greatest team player of all time. C. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson did play all five basketball positions effectively. D. How many people do you know in life whose nickname is Magic? A lot of the younger generation doesn't even know Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's first name. That's how great he was. Magic!!! E. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson showed his versatility, intelligence, and basketball IQ on the court. F. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's versatility, intelligence, and basketball IQ doesn't get talked about enough. G. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar got hurt during the NBA finals. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson switch from playing point guard to playing center and had a double-double in an NBA finals game playing center. H. Could any basketball fan see Mr. Michael Jeffrey Jordan playing Center? I don't think so. I. Much love and respect to Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson.
I've never saw a player with that kind of control of a team since Bill Russell. His command of the Court, his vision, his awareness of player positions on the floor, & his passes were pinpoint perfection, the closest thing I've seen to perfection on a Basketball Court...yeah, he was absolutely MAGIC!!!
That's a fact! Hes in my top 5 greatest of all time, Magic could play any position but as a point guard he punished teams with his scoring and passing. Amazing player!
Larry Bird is my favorite Basket Ball Player. I have the utmost respect for the Man!
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you know I was really enjoying this, because this is my years as a young not really knowing anything about real life yet . Here we are in 2019 and I just can't say if things have gotten any better because there's people who hate others because of the color of one's skin. I can say that the best thing growing up as a military kid I didn't have to worry about such things or gangs. I got along with EVERYBODY. Mainly because I had to do a school project about MLK. After doing so I simply followed what he said to judge by one's character not by one's skin. There's a lot of good in all people, but there's a lot of bad too. And if we don't exploit the bad and protect the good, even if it's from our own kind then we ourselves are just as guilty as the ones who cause hate. Why people just can't get along really confuses me.
Everybody talks about MJ but let's never forget that Magic came first and he was also one of the first rookie NBA players that came into the league and actually won a championship his first rookie season
Everybody talks about MJ because he changed the paradigm of winning 😂 Jordan shifted the complete narrative of what a team needs to win. 1st dominant scoring wing in NBA History to lead his team to multiple championships without a dominant big, the notion was scorers like Jordan couldn't lead their teams to championships then he also dominated both ends of the floor again something the NBA hadn't seen 😂 that's why he's talked about fool.
Magic Johnson is the most Unique player in basketball history his court sense wanting to others involved he is without question the most unselfish player in basketball history he could dominate a game without scoring a point nobody and I mean nobody ran the fast break like him his decision making on the court making the right pass to the right person Magic is the only player I know who could play all 5 positions and did play all five positions he is someone who should be in the GOAT convention as well.
I had the pleasure of meeting Magic Johnson in New Orleans, during an NBA Allstar weekend. Growing up as a Laker fan, finally meeting him, shaking his hand and taking a picture with him was priceless. Magic was everything I knew he would be, a straight up laid back dude with a whole lot of class and flair. In my eyes he'll always be the G.O.A.T !
You left out your fainting😄
Magic unquestionably the best point ever, no one can match his style and shear talent the excitement he generated "SHOWTIME" need i say more.
He's whole team was hall of famers.. Pretty easy to make assists.. And not to mention that he wasnt the best player on his team.. Kareem.. Hello!
@@corycarter4689 hi Cory, nice to meet you. This old man, Tim Griffin, would like to politely tell you “Ratio”
Magic is the 1980's greatest PG but No PG was better than Oscar Robertson until Lebron James!!! Magic inherited a super team with Kareem& Worthy. Magic didn't have the overall ability like Oscar & Lebron plus they rarely, mention the defensive ability of some of these great perimeter players. The truly great players can do it at both ends of the floor!!!
Die hard laker fan from the 80s . Magic n bird were the best rivalry in the 80s. MAGIC GOAT!🔥💜🟡💯
OH YEAH ME TOO PERIOD 🎯I USE TO CRY 😢WHEN THEY LOSE AGAINST THE BOSTON EVERYTIME I HATED TO SEE LARRY BIRD AND THEM DARN BOSTONS BUT IT WAS PURE ENTERTAINMENT AND I LOVE IT
@@janettaanderson125 yes true💯
A master competitor, master showman, a master distributor of the greatest NBA fast break it was my pleasure to witness. Truly a "Magic" athlete.
One thing I admire is, how Magic and Bird are quite honest about how they felt, least they seem like the are genuinely honest to me, this is the stuff I like about some sports, talking about it and the unpredictability of the whole thing
I’m a Diehard Lakers fan from the 80’s and Magic and Bird truly needed each other.
Agreed💯💯
In 1979 I was a freshman student at Michigan State when Magic Johnson led the Spartans to the NCAA Championship. Magic was a very approachable guy with all the students.
one of the greatest and one of my favorite players ever,i grew up watching him,magic created the excitement of basketball!
Earvin was a passer first, and a leader. He could play all positions and his versatility was unparalleled. Magic's weak spot coming out of MSU was his shooting, but he made himself into a scorer, particularly a clutch scorer. The best point guard, and the best player ever. If you had one player to build a team around, he'd be your guy.
And You are so Right. He could and would get the ball to the "right" guy and if no one was open he'd Do it Himself!! That's why they call him Magic. My all time favorite Laker, but I'm a Lakers fan 4ever, since Kareem Abdul Jabbar arrived.
19.5 points a game means you are not the best player ever. Even Magic says MJ was better and he knows more about basketball than all the rest of us.
Would build my team around curry before i would magic..
@@corycarter4689 That's why we have choices -- I'll always take Magic over anyone playing. That's my choice!!
@@missjoyceakaladyj6628 good for you?
Magic was definitely my favorite player of all time. That NCAA finals was the first college game that I ever watched. I've been a fan of Magic ever since.
The NBA needed these two legends , God Bless them both and I was lucky too see the beginning of their careers 1980
You don't see competition like that no more. IT DIED WITH KOBE. REST IN PEACE MAMBA. #LakerNation4Life
I was a young kid growing up in the era of Magic & Bird. I was just a short, flat-footed kid, who was always a little stocky and a little bit chubby - but watching Magic play was so much fun that I was always on the court trying to do some of the things he did. Behind the back dribbling, no look passing, fake a one hand pass right and dish left, low post hook shots. Whenever I played pickup ball at the park, if there was a teammate that I'd never played with before, there were pretty good odds that I'd hit him in the face or the chest with a pass that he wasn't expecting. It was a joy to get to watch him play.
It absolutely broke my heart, when I learned that he had HIV. Back then, it was a death sentence and only a matter of time before someone was in the ground because of it. Learning how he contracted it thru the lifestyle that he lived, while married, was earth shattering to me. I still loved almost everything about him, but that really tore me up. Cookie is an amazing woman to have stuck with him and to be able to forgive him and move past all of that and to be there for him to help him through a time when his life was on the line. I learned as much from her actions about love and forgiveness as I did about playing basketball from watching Magic play.
I quit basketball after Junior High - I was never a good shooter or ball handler, but I was a demon on defense. But I was only 5' 3" in my first year of High School and the next shortest was 5' 8". I also did not have great "hops", so wrestling seemed like a better choice for me. I was accepted to Michigan State in 1980 - huge Magic fan, but I never thought to try to be like him - I knew I could not, other than in the desire to be the best at whatever you did.
His lifestyle never bothered me - it is easy for us "mere mortals" to think we would be different and be holier than thou - I don't buy it. If you were a young man, and everywhere you went, 1,000 gorgeous women were begging to screw you, you really think you are going to say "No"? One part of me admires Cookie for waiting and accepting reality, but another part realizes that she knew she had a shot to marry one of the richest and most famous men in the nation.
I have met Earvin twice, and I do not have a clue what his personal life is, so I make no judgments. I would like to think (and do) that her actions came from love. She could also be a gold digging whore - but I seriously doubt it.
Magic realized (I think) that early on, he was not ready to commit to one person - and as far as I am concerned, that's fine. He didn't get married when he was 20 and then cheat for decades like so many do. What is wrong with waiting until you are ready? Sure, she might have chosen a different path, but I doubt that Magic would lack other possibilities when he did settle down.
Also, he probably contracted HIV before he was married - not after.
The player that made me fall in love with basketball. Magic!
The thing that separated Magic was his unselfishness. He didn't need to score nor did he look to score which set him apart from other players. Magic and Bird could control a game without shooting 25 or 30 shots a game unlike some guys.
HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY IDOL, I PATTERNED MY GAME AFTER HIS !!!!! THE MAGIC MAN BEST POINT GUARD OF ALL TIME!!!!!!
I like Magic, Bird, Jordan and Co. At this Times Basketball was great and not to compare with the boring Games today.
Magic, Bird and Jordan were all greats. What I like about Magic is that his teammates enjoy playing with him and he made everyone else better. Jordan on the other hand would always put down (belittle, assault, taunt,) his teammates and his teammates hated to play with him.
True that MJ was an ahole but his teammates loved playing with him and all that he put in their pockets. The fame was nice too.
Loved watching magic and bird when I was a kid
MAGIC WAS VERY FUN TO WATCH 👀👐🏽🏀,. SHOW TIME LAKERS🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
I lived across the street from Everret Highschool for years in the early and mid 90's . Till this day you can still feel the Greatness and the Magical ora of that Hallowed Ground !
Anything you watch that can send you thru this many levels of emotions (high and low) is something you'll NEVER FORGET... I REALLY loved this documentary... thank you for blessing me with this 🙏 🙌
Its so ironic that the people that was on Magic's bandwagon turned on him in his greatest time of need. And, the person that was his greatest enemy and nemesis, Larry Bird, was the one that extended him compassion and love.
Amen brother
I agree but let's keep this 100%...Magic never had hiv back then they didn't have the suppression drugs and he didn't give it to his wife or their newborn baby...they paid him to say it cuz people back then believed only drug addicts and gay people could get it...aint knocking him he got paid to do it and it put out good information
They always had love for each other even before magic got hiv get it straight
Its a great story on race relations. Forget your skin color, can you ball?
That's Basketball 202 advanced lifestyle. It was a different time and it was only during this period when we would see this course, SO YOU HAD TO GET IT THEN (...or miss...) here goes:
The Preamble
Game invented, but boggs down from old instutionalism
The 1st chapter, Bill Russell and key blacks, get in play/dominate and take over the field.
2nd chapter. Dr J uses credentials to lead and empower.
3rd chapter let's do it together as a league of people (Magic &Bird)*
4th Jordan era the blueprint, what to watch for etc
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, two of the greatest ballers ever and two of the best guys ever
Nobody made the entire team elevate like Magic Johnson! Jordan, Kareem, Bird and Johnson on Mount Rushmore!
Honorable mention LeBron, Wilt, J. West.
People often misdiagnose Magic's greatness. If Magic was playing with 4 other All Stars and Magic had a great game, EVERYONE HAD A GREAT GAME. That is a lot different from Jordan or Kobe. If Jordan or Kobe played great, often players had to step back. This is why I think Magic is the greatest ever. The unique quality of being able to put many great players around one player and then have those players play great, INVALUABLE.
Excellent point! Jordan was the best individual player, hungriest and most clutch with the game on the line. But it isn't an individual game, and in terms of having the greatest impact on a team winning, Magic was the best. He just made the team the best it could possibly be. The Bulls remained a great team after Jordan retired the first time. Sure, they were better with Jordan, but not so much worse without him. When Magic and Bird retired, their teams fell apart.
Yeah,that's why Kevin Mac said he and Magic were the best they could take 12 shots and still dominate a game. That's why LeBron was compared to Magic early on because he also can take 10-12 shots and dominate a game. A bad shooting night doesn't stop these kinda guys like it would Mike, Kobe, Kevin Durant etc because their scoring is the most important part of their games.
@@mookeychase0907, KD never has a bad shooting night. He averages less shots than all the top players, and still is in the top two scoring wise.
Jordan played angry, Magic played with a smile n his heart. They were both @ the top of their game n that manner. It goes 2 the psychological make up of the players themselves.
Which goes 2 the coach knowing & understanding this a n out the dog. The team is going 2 take the make up of that lead Dog. B cause the style is different dont mean it can't b a winner.
Magic & Mike had far different games Magic will wow U with a pass b 4 the basket is made. Another of guys got passes from Magic that didn't know they were open.
The wow with Mike came with the process of the move that culminated n the making of the basket.
Mike used only 45ft. of the floor. He wasn't shooting 65ft. 3's. Magic would make a 65ft. pass & 20 out of 20 times it's pin point dime & the player is n shooting motion.
Magic used 94ft. Magic was multipurpose on the floor. Center, Small Forward, & Power Forward.
Magic had a skyhook also.
Mike first team all defensive team every year.
Mike a better ball handler than Magic. Magic would put his body b tween U & the ball.
Mike face U up have U slipping all over the floor.
The best ever big point guard. Never put his body b tween U & the ball Penny Hardaway out of Memphis St. Penny take Ur ass 2 the rack & flush it on U 2.
Chemistry on any type of team sport is a mind thing that turns n 2 the physical on the playing field.
Pound 4 Pound best basketball player ever.
(A I) Allen Iverson. Every baller loved him, b cause they knew The Truth. Look up true. truth & it's adjectives.
I know your comment is 2 years old but I've always said the same thing you did when Kobe or Jordan Hit 50 points they took enough shots to make a hundred but when you play with someone like magic everyone scores.. Magic was the greatest
What I liked about magic johnson was, that creating showtime . He got his entire team involved by sharing the basketball, next he then did his tricks. You got to see all your favorite players do their thing man. He was, so brilliant and unselfish player. Magic and Bird save the NBA sports. Magic and Bird will always bigger than life in their error.
*My favorite basketball player ever. Top 3 player in the NBA history period.*
Magic is one the greatest players ever.
So Blessed We Are The Day Earvin Magic Johnson Was Born, What a Player & Human Being. You Rock The Rock Bro!
That was great. I've been a Lakers fans since the 70's and I lived and dead with the championships and loses. It was good to see Magic do his his thing again and to see Larry legend drop those 3's and make those pin point pass look so effortless. I miss this style of basketball. Thanks for this video, it brought some goooood memories. #LAKERSFORLIFE, #LAKERSNATIONS.
Am MJ fan but gotta give it Magic's a class A player. Great ball handler and those smiles are infectious. He's one of my fave players, entertaining to watch as Jordan!
Carol Loris Same & I love watching them together on the dream team! Magic was a great guy cause instead of being bitter watching Jordan in the 92 finals he was so genuinely happy for Jordan playing & getting all the shine! Would be easy for magic to feel a different way after everything that just happend to him getting hiv & having to retire but like the classy guy he is he was nothing but happy! Amazing guy & that says so much about the person he is the family he came from.
U can feel how much love and respect Larry Bird has for Magic when he choke talking about the day he found out about Magic having H.I.V....that's true definition of friendship and brotherhood.
So proud of Magic !! God have blesses him then and know.
Magic will always be magic in my eyes,the man is a superstar RESPECT !
Play any position Guard , forward , specially won the championship against Philadelphia playing center he is really a great overall position ever in NBA history
I think Magic is the best of all time. He nearly avg. a triple-double, and even played center and still scored 42 points with 15 boards. If Lebron or Jordan only scored 10 points, you would likely think their team was going to lose the game, Magic brought something different though to the game, the court was a chess board and he knew where every piece was - he made the entire team better with his style of play. He could have an off night and only score only 10 points but the Lakers were dangerous because their best player didn't have to score 40 - 50 points to win. That's what made him special.
Larry Bird is my favorite, but this has changed my opinion of Ervin Johnson. It was well put together and Magic Johnson is now my second favorite player. I would have loved for these two to play on the same team for 10 years. It would have taken away the mystery of the two super stars.
Some of the best days were me & my pops watching the Lakers on TV with the volume down & Chick Hearn calling the game on the radio. We lived in Gardena & were about 20min from the Fabulous Forum! Remember when Magic took over from Storm'n Norman Nixon! My dad single parent raising a son. Thanks Pop RIP🙏🏿🤗
Magic is a very humble Dude! And he is one of the Greatest Ever to play this game!! His peripheral vision is CRAZY!!!!!!! God bless him and Family!!
Thanks for posting this even though it was years ago. As we all now sit at home hoping that this virus passes it is great to have an uplifting story to watch. These two men didn't just change basketball they changed us. Thanks again.
You owned it Larry, I love both of you guys. You guys needed each other in the Pro's. Greatness.
Not really.. the White media needed a way to defuse the fact that magic beat him three times. Larry Bird they want to deal with this Negro he don't have nothing to do with his folks at least he was being for real it was Magic Johnson that felt this great need to be a part of his world I don't understand why Larry Bird ain't nothing but a man like everyone else is and that's all he is a racist low-down crack with no class. Like everything else in life he can K my a
Both Magic and Bird are basketball magicians
I couldn't imagine accomplishing the things this guy did with hiv this dude is awesome.
I'm a lifelong celtics fan. They sell a lot of tickets now. But we couldn't draw flies until the playoffs said Red Auerbach about the Russell era. The NBA was a new competitor to the Red Sox, Bruins, college football and basketball. Then the Patriots. Magic Johnson was the more vp of he and Bird in my opinion. Winning the all star game three point shooting championship three times in a row at 6'-9" is more valuable now than it was then though
I love the 80'-90's players. Like each of them has specialty. They don't need to be all shooters like today. If you are a rebounder, then be good at that.
I saw Michael Ray Richardson play live in MSG in 1980-81 and have never seen a better point guard. He got a raw deal but played until age 47 abroad.
I have never seen an athlete in any sport play and compete with more joy and love than the Magic Man. No one has ever loved basketball more than Earvin. And that smile! Oh my God that "smile". Yes, he is the greatest point guard of all-time. I'm an old white guy who considers Magic as my favorite athlete in any sport.
My favorite player of all time - there was nothing like SHOWTIME !
IT'S SHOW TIME MAGIC TIME I LOVED IT HANDS DOWN🎯
I've always said Magic Johnson Greatest basketbal of alll times Michael Jordan basketball times Jerry West, best of all times . These guys are specialist not only in basketball but in psychology.
and management.
Magic was the showtime. what a player
They need to make a Magic and Bird movie that Chronicles their careers as well as the rivalry that saved the NBA.
They have, multiple times
There's a 30 for 30 episode about that.
If magic and bird didn't save the league there would be no god tier Jordan coming behind them Thanks magic and bird for holding the door open for the GOAT
Ever hear of a guy named Wilt Chamberlain? He is the GOAT.
@@HAL9000s3 The Point Gaurds Control The Game...Period...One Love Fam...
When Magic retired I almost retired with him.. During the 80's everyone was either a Laker or Celtic fan.
Blacks loved LA; Whites loved Boston
You Got That Right!!! I was Laker fan in the 80's!!
You know yo ball mane!
@@teresawicks9859 I loved LA.....the Lakers were my team....Magic is the greatest player in NBA history.....and this is from a white male who shook his hand in 1991 at age 10. And didn't wash that hand for a week.
The guy was just a big guy and played the game with so much fluidity as he made other NBA Point Guards look like a Jr. High School player while guarding him. It was his size playing the Point like a Wizard full of tricks..
This man did things with the ball that was out of control! Simply the best guard ever!
Thank you for this awesome upload!!! I was in tears for some of the parts in this video. This video just refreshed me on how great a basketball player, a man and a competitor magic johnson is. Thank you again!
For you young folks out there, Magic & Bird saved the NBA from going under.
They save our nuts
Doggy Style ...You're right about Magic and Larry. However, it was Julius Winfield Erving II who revitalized the NBA, and pass the torch to Earvin Johnson, Jr. and Larry Joe Bird.
Became mainstream n contracts went up when jordan came...its ridiculous how a garbage player like Tobias Harris makes 36 million a year now
Mahmud Abdul rauf could of been a hall of famer if the NBA didn't blackball him...but society don't care about religion they care more about someone not agreeing with black live matters movement...apparently only black lives matter cuz the kings announcer got fired for saying all lives matter
@@kingofdetroit358 say what? I did not realize he makes that much. He wouldn't even start for any of the great teams in the 80s and 90s.
There is no denying Magic's greatness and he was the leader of the great Laker teams of the 80s, and he always had the greatest talent surrounding him. He is the greatest point guard of all.
No one Denys Magic’s greatness but please put it in it’s correct category of what the make up that team. Any NBA player could have replaced Magic and the Lakers wouldn’t have lost a step. That’s a fact, Norm Nixon was a better point guard and Magic’s jealousy got Nixon traded. Plus Magic wasn’t a point Guard. All NBA point guards can break a press as it’s a high school tactic, but Magic could bring the ball up court against one player Dennis Johnson of the Celtics. Dennis Johnson stole Magic’s high tops, jock and his shorts. The Lakers never before used Cooper to play guard due to his terrible ball handling. Cooper was used as as all forward because of his defense. But he was faster coming up court than Magic. The Iceman is a all NBA super star as a guard but not a point guard for the same reason Magic’s vulnerability of slow high pat. Both are to slow to be point guards. Small guards would pick their pockets clean, yeah they are closer to the ground and can steal from high dribbles. WTFU. I give Magic kudos for fooling people into thinking erroneously of him as a point guard. Magic is great but stop kidding Yourself and use common sense.
@@xavierlejon1244 You just denied his greatness. You said any NBA player could have done what Magic did. I watched the man play the game, he didn't just play point guard, he took over games, and not just regular games, he took over championship games. We all have the right to our opinions, and that's it. Magic is by far the greatest point guard of all.
@@arautus I said what I said. And yes any NBA player could have replaced Magic and the Lakers with their line up would still have been as great. Don’t take My words and twist them. I didn’t say Magic was worthy of accomplishments. Magic deserved everything he he could. Now Dude get off that High Horse and stop dreaming. Actually that was a Nightmare. Thank You so much. 👺
@@xavierlejon1244 Like I said, "We all have our opinions" and yours is in a very small minority.
@@arautus like I give a ****. Get a life Dweeb.
I got so much respect for magic and bird. So much love for the game. So much love for each other.
Thank you Magic and Larry for making me a fan of basketball
Everybody needs to 'Lean back' on that GOAT shh. Majic, Kareem, Wilt, Russell, Bird, Jordan and Labron.
Sitting here on 9/9/21 watching this and STILL crying for Magic. Like most fans, when I first heard that Magic was sick. If he had been an ego tripping a$$hole athlete, I wouldn't have given a rat's patootie about him. But Magic is different. He's a really, really nice person. And that makes all the difference.
Truth. One thing I remember is he always had the smile of a child. 100% class act. The NBA needs him to show these younger guys what it is all about
Great player, great person.
Sergio Giacomo Sammartano Magic is that dude
Magic the Goat of point guards greates passer with great court vision and
A smile that made him great for prime time he was a passing type guard who could score really well and take over the game and carry his team to a win like Bird and they had the greatest rivalry since Bill Russel and Wilt. Magic is a bad man and one that is still freinds with Jordan, magic had a super team with Kareem, Worthy and Byron Scott, what a great Lakers team.
magic johnson is not only the greatest PG in history but he is the G.O.A.T.
Simply The GREATEST
Stockton is the best PG of all time, but Magic is next. He’s a legend no doubt.
Awesome video about magic he deserves all of the praises he can get in fact when people talk of the 🐐 and leave him "MAGIC" out of that conversation it's offensive for the fact that he wasn't the greatest of all time he is definitely amongst them top 5 with out a doubt.
We will never see their like again
Lonzo Ball in high school and UCLA just didn’t exist, huh? Even Magic said it himself.
After watching this, I now believe Magic has the case for being the GOAT if people will insist to have a GOAT in basketball. Winning championship in high school, college and NBA in 4 years is something special. He should have won the ROTY as well.
to that point, talk of Lebron J as the G.O.A.T. and comparison to MJ...Magic J disqualifies that talk!
Lebron J comparison to any NBA Player, it would be Magic!
....and he is NOT better than Magic!
👀
LeBron also plays in a SOFT weak boring euro step, 3 pt era. Yeah people go nuts when I say this but LeBron isn’t even better than Magic or Bird forget about Michael Jordan.
Thank you sir!!! 🙏💯🙏 Salute 🥂. It isn't enough words to put in appreciation to this man
Magic was that magic Some of his passes were passionate His smile lit up his life and his game like Ali he was the greatest 🎤
Earlitha and Ervin...Cookie and Magic, how sweet is that...a Magic Cookie.
They made each other better.
Magic & Bird saved the NBA they are also the smart's ball players I ever saw. I consider them to be the Bobby Ore of B-ball they will never be replaced. But the greats B-ball player of all time is Bill Russell more rings than his fingers could hold.
thanks for this. my fav player of all time. never seen high school tape of him. i sat and watch the entire thing. good stuff
greatest player to watch play!
Original 6feet 8inches point guard, earvin Johnson
My Idol. Learn How To Play The Game Off Of Magic. GOAT.
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is the greatest basketball player of all time. The magic, the smile, the love....its showtime!
Mj, even Magic said so.
Blah
Magic Johnson is truly one of the best there is!
Bird is such a class act, getting double teamed the whole college game with bad teammates. Still takes the blame for the loss
NBA Legend! The best point guard in NBA history! Knowone came close.
Yes they most certainly did the NBA owes them
The best ever magic Johnson and the showtime Lakers 1980 to 1990
The best ever because his iq for the game was unique, makes everybody better and can beat you in different ways.
The greatest of all time. Consummate winner, made his teammates better. Won the most in the most difficult era.
The most difficult era was the 2000's kobe-duncan era
@@msytuser bullshit get a clue. Dufus
This one of the coolest compilations of magic footage & pictures I've seen...great job with this
Never a fan of either team, but both players were fun to watch. Must watch t.v.. Dr J, too (had the leather Cons,boy!)
No one did it better, and no one ever will!! Simply magic!
That was heart warming, awesomeness!!!!!
A. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is not just the greatest point guard in history but the greatest team basketball player in NBA history.
B. I tell people all the time Mr. Michael Jeffrey Jordan is the greatest individual player of all time. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is the greatest team player of all time.
C. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson did play all five basketball positions effectively.
D. How many people do you know in life whose nickname is Magic? A lot of the younger generation doesn't even know Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's first name. That's how great he was. Magic!!!
E. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson showed his versatility, intelligence, and basketball IQ on the court.
F. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's versatility, intelligence, and basketball IQ doesn't get talked about enough.
G. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar got hurt during the NBA finals. Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson switch from playing point guard to playing center and had a double-double in an NBA finals game playing center.
H. Could any basketball fan see Mr. Michael Jeffrey Jordan playing Center? I don't think so.
I. Much love and respect to Mr. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson.
Totally AGREE!!
my favorite basketball player of all time besides Kevin Garnett yeah we grew up a Laker fan in Minnesota I grew up watching magic Johnson
I've never saw a player with that kind of control of a team since Bill Russell. His command of the Court, his vision, his awareness of player positions on the floor, & his passes were pinpoint perfection, the closest thing I've seen to perfection on a Basketball Court...yeah, he was absolutely MAGIC!!!
You ever see the 1977 Trailblazers? Bill Walton was equally commanding.
@@williammorrison6311 Walton was great for one Season!!!
That was some of the best basketball ever!!
Brenda Stephens, AAAAAAAMEN!! LOVE THOSE DAYS🤗👏👏
Magic is my favorite player ever, and yes he was great, but THE greatest point guard is speculative, he could play any position.
That's a fact! Hes in my top 5 greatest of all time, Magic could play any position but as a point guard he punished teams with his scoring and passing. Amazing player!
my top 5 is Wilt..Jordan..Lebron James..Dr J....Kareem!!
torres ill take bird over James every time
Larry Bird is my favorite Basket Ball Player. I have the utmost respect for the Man!
you know I was really enjoying this, because this is my years as a young not really knowing anything about real life yet . Here we are in 2019 and I just can't say if things have gotten any better because there's people who hate others because of the color of one's skin. I can say that the best thing growing up as a military kid I didn't have to worry about such things or gangs. I got along with EVERYBODY. Mainly because I had to do a school project about MLK. After doing so I simply followed what he said to judge by one's character not by one's skin. There's a lot of good in all people, but there's a lot of bad too. And if we don't exploit the bad and protect the good, even if it's from our own kind then we ourselves are just as guilty as the ones who cause hate. Why people just can't get along really confuses me.
damn 6 at one time...he needs to write a book. Lucky there was no Instagram or internet at the time.
Everybody talks about MJ but let's never forget that Magic came first and he was also one of the first rookie NBA players that came into the league and actually won a championship his first rookie season
Everybody talks about MJ because he changed the paradigm of winning 😂 Jordan shifted the complete narrative of what a team needs to win. 1st dominant scoring wing in NBA History to lead his team to multiple championships without a dominant big, the notion was scorers like Jordan couldn't lead their teams to championships then he also dominated both ends of the floor again something the NBA hadn't seen 😂 that's why he's talked about fool.
@@KingBreeze07 well don't bother me none I still like Magic Johnson he the man to me
Magic Johnson is the most Unique player in basketball history his court sense wanting to others involved he is without question the most unselfish player in basketball history he could dominate a game without scoring a point nobody and I mean nobody ran the fast break like him his decision making on the court making the right pass to the right person Magic is the only player I know who could play all 5 positions and did play all five positions he is someone who should be in the GOAT convention as well.
That is a REALLY long sentence. Periods can be helpful
@@TerryT0114 get the fuck out bruh log out this ain english class tf
@@TerryT0114 This is basketball on TH-cam not an essay contest .
I understand the Big Picture shots to both of those players they made the game fun to watch made alot of people money and they Both got Rings.