Magic was why I fell in love with basketball. I watched that first game where Magic came into the league with my father, and it was the first game I ever watched all the way through. That series against the sixers where Kareem got injured could be one of the greatest performances of all time. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
I fell in love to basketball because of Magic Johnson & bec of him too i became an avid fan of Lakers since my teenage years. Forever fan of him, he's the greatest point guard ever with incredible passing skills. I love❤ watching all his games, it's always a showtime😊
Had me in tears at the end. I was in the military when i found out Magic had HIV.. We all shed a tear that day. One of the greatest players i ever saw... pure MAGIC! As a Blazer fan, this says a lot about our respect for the man. Only guy i ever heard of that softened Larry Birds heart.. but for us, that was just more MAGIC. The Original Dream Team was the perfect end to both of their careers... ...surrounded by those who shared the paint. Thanks guys, for all the memories.. and for all the Magic.. blessed be..
Loved the video especially the part where Magic admitted that Kareem was the real MVP of the 1980 finals vs Sixers. Kareem was actually voted the FMVP after Magic's great game 6 but because Kareem was not present, the voters were asked to change their votes so Magic would win the award ( Kareem's book titled "Kareem" pgs 140-141). I never knew Magic offered to give the trophy back to Kareem and that Kareem said it was ok for Magic to keep it = what a great example of grace and friendship between two players! Magic's enthusiasm as a rookie coming into the NBA is sorely missed today. Today it is all about money, where is the love of the game? We miss Magic! Thanks
I’ll never forget it, it was like it was yesterday. Hearing that Magic had HIV which at the time was the same as saying AIDS and you thought he was going to die. It was like a punch in the stomach. It really sucked. It may have cut his career somewhat short and we missed out on some great games but, I am just glad that he is still here and happy and healthy. One hell of a basketball player.
To be the GOAT in Basketball, you have to play all 5 positions. If not? Then your just the Greatest Guard. Or Forward or Center. A Rookie Magic on the road game 6 in Philly, NBA Finals, against Darryl Dawkins Caldwell Jones, , Dr. J Mo Cheeks. Kareem is in L.A.. Starts at Center, plays forward, back to center. Scores 42 points, 15 boards. Wins the Title and series MVP. That will never happen again. Only one GOAT. Magic. Who else could Play all 5 positions? I'll wait.
Wilt and KG. But they're not on Magic's level. Jokic or Luka maybe? That's a pretty short list and nobody is as elite as Magic. People might argue LeBron, but I don't rate him as a center he doesn't get enough offensive rebounds. I'd give him the other 4 though.
Dr. J next for sure. And we need some football stories too. Old players Walter Payton, Bo Jackson, Dick Butkus, Deion Sanders they all got great stories that should be told
Been saying this for years LeBron plays like Magic 🎩 Johnson I don't know why everyone keep saying Michael and LeBron and Michael and Kobe and Magic And LeBron
There are certain players in every sport that are so good, they will never be matched. Magic, Bird, and Jordan for me are at the top of that list when it comes to the NBA. There will be players that can some things like them or as good as they can, but they will never fully match them. These 3 guys could do it all, and nobody who came after them can fully measure up. Jordan is my GOAT, but I have Magic and Bird tied for 2nd because it's almost impossible to say which one is the better player. The way those 2 played the game, the vision and knowledge they had was almost exact. There will never be anybody that will have the repertoire they had. They are the Greatest of the Greats
Con el respeto de todos los grandes jugadores, estrellas que a ávido en el NBA la mejor liga del mundo 🌎. Mi humilde opinión es; Magic Johnson es el jugador más completó que ha ávido en éste juego. Porque podía jugar cualquier posición en el cuadró. Además su pasión por el juego era único. Larga vida hermano.
Ok Nick.....you did a good job with the Magic man..now, do the dream teams. ...1&2..which is the greatest...if course 1 is the greatest but that's me....I'd love to see the interviews and comments on that
@24:00 Yeah I can see Magic if he was playing today would be given pleanty of ball handling oportunities, would be played as a forward on defence and primary ball handler on attack. Probably slightly to small to be a Center all the time. Either way you make allowances to cover a player's deficiencies with another player's skills. Magic would still be running breaks or taking players into the post, seeking mismatches and using what the game brings him. I can see him doing well, his game would not be to far from what Lebron does, even if it has clear differences, so it would be successful in the modern league.
People said their never be another Michael Jordan then their was kobe but you never see another magic Johnson and you never see a 69 point guard that play the point like him he won by passing the ball and scoring with in the game magic can play in any era at point Westbrook can't guard him he's to big but they would figure it out basketball is like playing chess it's not checkers
Magic and Zeke are why the league began poaching players out of HS. They both won NCAA titles as sophomores, came out and were superstars immediately. The rest of the league didn't want to miss the boat on the 'Next' one. It was really the beginning of the end of players preparing to become professionals. Owners were willing to take a chance on potential, rather than production.
Birds game has translated well to todays game plus looking back it turns out Magic had Kareem who now is being recognized as 1 of the 3 best players ever. So at the end of their careers Magic was better by consensus. Not so much now. Worth revisiting
Isaiah was the first to kick Magic when he was down. With his homophobia. He thought he would be the #1 point guard with Magic gone and he’d get all his fans.
Bird let Magic get in his head with that friendly LeBron James shi you can't be friendly and expect to go as hard and be the same beast because it takes the fire 🔥 and hunger out of you...
Point guards are supposed to lead the team, facilitate the plays and act as the coach on the court. They are not suppose to shoot insane distances and run the court and use screens to get open ala Steph Curry or score a bunch of points ala Allen Iverson or stat pad ala Russell WEstbrook. MAgic is the perfect pg, the greatest of all time. He led, he facilitated, he dominated and he won. Lakers never miss the play offs with him. Lakers reached the finals for 9 years out of 12 seasons with him as the lead pg. Lakers won 5 titles including a back to back in 87 and 88. No other pg did what Magic accomplished in his career. Not the Big O, not Zeke, not John Stockton, not STeve Nash, not Steph, not CP3, not Jason Kidd or Gary Payton. He is HIM.
Are you serious? Now I know delusional people are a real thing. Isiah was the best player and driving force on a Pistons team that went to 5 straight conference finals including 3 straight finals, back to back championships and finals MVP. Stockton was a sidekick to Karl Malone. I'll take being the #1 option and the leader of the team thats a champion over the sidekick with no rings any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Kobe always said Magic Johnson was the greatest Laker ever and that Magic was his idol. He said that his game wouldn't be complete without Magic because he stole so much from him. Koby had the ultimate respect for Magic as a player and a person.
It was a different game back then. magic was basically playing against accountants. And plus back then they didn't understand anything about diet and exercise. Magic would have a very difficult time playing against today's more athletic players. He might still be an all star but he would not dominate
I have to look into this situation a bit further. But just looking at what was going on at that time. I feel that Kareem felt he was end all be all. And may have faked an injury. To force the debate that he was the best on the team. He didn't realize that magic could match his greatness.
Just got home from a long day at work....what better way to relax than watching a Magic compilation served to me by Nick?
Hope you enjoyed it!
There isn’t a way to do that…
Just got home from work too and i thought the same thing you did hahahaha
This is a phenomenal piece about the greatest player of all times.
Thanks
Magic was why I fell in love with basketball. I watched that first game where Magic came into the league with my father, and it was the first game I ever watched all the way through.
That series against the sixers where Kareem got injured could be one of the greatest performances of all time.
Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
I fell in love to basketball because of Magic Johnson & bec of him too i became an avid fan of Lakers since my teenage years. Forever fan of him, he's the greatest point guard ever with incredible passing skills. I love❤ watching all his games, it's always a showtime😊
Had me in tears at the end. I was in the military when i found out Magic had HIV.. We all shed a tear that day. One of the greatest players i ever saw... pure MAGIC! As a Blazer fan, this says a lot about our respect for the man. Only guy i ever heard of that softened Larry Birds heart.. but for us, that was just more MAGIC. The Original Dream Team was the perfect end to both of their careers...
...surrounded by those who shared the paint. Thanks guys, for all the memories.. and for all the Magic.. blessed be..
Loved the video especially the part where Magic admitted that Kareem was the real MVP of the 1980 finals vs Sixers. Kareem was actually voted the FMVP after Magic's great game 6 but because Kareem was not present, the voters were asked to change their votes so Magic would win the award ( Kareem's book titled "Kareem" pgs 140-141). I never knew Magic offered to give the trophy back to Kareem and that Kareem said it was ok for Magic to keep it = what a great example of grace and friendship between two players! Magic's enthusiasm as a rookie coming into the NBA is sorely missed today. Today it is all about money, where is the love of the game? We miss Magic! Thanks
That might have been the greatest finals performance of all time though.
As a brit i cant take American football baseball hockey.. but basketball poetry in motion love it , can soak up these videos all day
Magic celebrating like that in his first game was why everybody loved him
I hit the like before watching the video because I know it will leave a smile on my face. Thank you for this.
Thanks so much!
Magic johnson greatest pg and best story teller ever
I’ll never forget it, it was like it was yesterday. Hearing that Magic had HIV which at the time was the same as saying AIDS and you thought he was going to die. It was like a punch in the stomach. It really sucked. It may have cut his career somewhat short and we missed out on some great games but, I am just glad that he is still here and happy and healthy. One hell of a basketball player.
Magic would be a forward in today's game. I believe he played power forward when he came back to NBA in the mid-1990s.
I know I need a Kareem greatest stories video now. Amazing work Nick
Coming soon!
the way magic idolized kareem as a rookie is so wholesome haha it put a big smile on my face
My 5 all time starters: Magic, LBJ, MJ, Shaq, The Dream.
THE PLAYER I'D DEFINITELY ALWAYS TAKE WITH MY 1ST PICK: OL'🐐👑MAGIC JOHNSON#32 .. FROM 👑LAKERNATION ..
To be the GOAT in Basketball, you have to play all 5 positions. If not? Then your just the Greatest Guard. Or Forward or Center. A Rookie Magic on the road game 6 in Philly, NBA Finals, against Darryl Dawkins Caldwell Jones, , Dr. J Mo Cheeks. Kareem is in L.A.. Starts at Center, plays forward, back to center. Scores 42 points, 15 boards. Wins the Title and series MVP. That will never happen again. Only one GOAT. Magic. Who else could Play all 5 positions? I'll wait.
This is how I feel too.
err... I brought some pop corn bro...
Wilt and KG. But they're not on Magic's level.
Jokic or Luka maybe? That's a pretty short list and nobody is as elite as Magic.
People might argue LeBron, but I don't rate him as a center he doesn't get enough offensive rebounds. I'd give him the other 4 though.
Been saying this forever...Magic can play any position and look cool doing it...
Isiah basically said Magic would be a faster Jokic. Impressive!
And if he played in today’s era he’d just say the opposite
Magic broke the mold as point guard while Larry broke the mold as SF. You can tell magic loved larry and vice versa.
Magic going to the Lakers after Bird was already in Boston created the coast vs coast rivalry that saved the NBA.
Another amazing video. I always enjoy watching your videos. Thanks Nick! ☺️
Glad you like them!
That “look off” @ 0:47 was insane 😳
Dr. J next for sure. And we need some football stories too. Old players Walter Payton, Bo Jackson, Dick Butkus, Deion Sanders they all got great stories that should be told
What a dope channel.
The debate Isiah and those other guys were having about what position Magic would play goes to show that position basketball is real
We love magic ❤He is a legend ❤️
We need more LeBron stories. Id love to hear some in-game stories and trash talking etc. Btw Magic was the man! Love hearing stories!
Been saying this for years LeBron plays like Magic 🎩 Johnson I don't know why everyone keep saying Michael and LeBron and Michael and Kobe and Magic And LeBron
Here we gooo
hope you enjoyed!
Magic is my all time 💜💛
please never stop making these
There are certain players in every sport that are so good, they will never be matched.
Magic, Bird, and Jordan for me are at the top of that list when it comes to the NBA.
There will be players that can some things like them or as good as they can, but they will never fully match them. These 3 guys could do it all, and nobody who came after them can fully measure up.
Jordan is my GOAT, but I have Magic and Bird tied for 2nd because it's almost impossible to say which one is the better player. The way those 2 played the game, the vision and knowledge they had was almost exact. There will never be anybody that will have the repertoire they had. They are the Greatest of the Greats
Great video as always. How about one on Hakeem Olajuwon or David Robinson? Keep up the good work mate
I think it would be Hakeem more often than not. Who do you think it would be?
Everytime he pass all I can say is HE HEEEE magic passes was different he started all of those passes
Con el respeto de todos los grandes jugadores, estrellas que a ávido en el NBA la mejor liga del mundo 🌎. Mi humilde opinión es; Magic Johnson es el jugador más completó que ha ávido en éste juego. Porque podía jugar cualquier posición en el cuadró. Además su pasión por el juego era único. Larga vida hermano.
MAGIC JOHNSON IS HANDS DOWN THE GREATEST POINT GUARD OF ALL TIME PERIOD.
Damn I love every video you do, Nick. Keep up the good work man. P.S., do a Manu Ginobili video, please and thank you!
Thanks man! Will do!
Kareem is the GOAT and also able to work with Magic
This video was great
Ok Nick.....you did a good job with the Magic man..now, do the dream teams. ...1&2..which is the greatest...if course 1 is the greatest but that's me....I'd love to see the interviews and comments on that
That skyhook is unstoppable
Magic is so far above any other point guard. If he's not at least in your top 4 you're crazy.
So underated!
I don't think I've ever heard any past or current players say they would pick LBJ in a top 5.
Because you don't pay attention to reality.
@sportstalkonly1442 🤣
Chills game came on taped delayed CBS. Magic was my favorite player
@24:00 Yeah I can see Magic if he was playing today would be given pleanty of ball handling oportunities, would be played as a forward on defence and primary ball handler on attack. Probably slightly to small to be a Center all the time. Either way you make allowances to cover a player's deficiencies with another player's skills. Magic would still be running breaks or taking players into the post, seeking mismatches and using what the game brings him. I can see him doing well, his game would not be to far from what Lebron does, even if it has clear differences, so it would be successful in the modern league.
NGNICK SMITH I AM LOVING THE VIDS KEEP EM COMMING
You should make a magic Johnson telling stories compilation. Him and kg are the best two when telling stories
I always liked how Michael Jordan always referred to Magic and Bird.
Love this as usual. But is it just me or did Magic grow a beard between the interview from Game 6 to jump ball?
Starting 5 MJ, Pippen, Bird, McHale and Magic Johnson. That team will be hard to beat 💓
People said their never be another Michael Jordan then their was kobe but you never see another magic Johnson and you never see a 69 point guard that play the point like him he won by passing the ball and scoring with in the game magic can play in any era at point Westbrook can't guard him he's to big but they would figure it out basketball is like playing chess it's not checkers
The best game ever, period
Magic. Is this the best name ever?
Man we need more magoc across the world right mow
Gerade Gestern habe ich noch zu Roswita gesagt: „was ist eigentlich aus Nick Smith geworden“ und zack teilt er ein neues Video
Magic and Zeke are why the league began poaching players out of HS. They both won NCAA titles as sophomores, came out and were superstars immediately. The rest of the league didn't want to miss the boat on the 'Next' one. It was really the beginning of the end of players preparing to become professionals. Owners were willing to take a chance on potential, rather than production.
There's no other player who has a more accurate nickname.
Do Brandon Roy next please!
Do one on big shot bob Robert horry 7x nba champ
12:57 my goodness bro 😂
Jason Kidd, Monte Ellis, Paul Pierce
Birds game has translated well to todays game plus looking back it turns out Magic had Kareem who now is being recognized as 1 of the 3 best players ever. So at the end of their careers Magic was better by consensus. Not so much now. Worth revisiting
Two different positions. I would take both in my starting five.
Pls make a video about Karl Malone, he was an amazing player that I fell does not get his flowers nowadays.
Haqeem Olajuwon
Gilbert Arenas next
I agree with Zeke (which is rare) except magic wouldn’t play center either. He’d be a SF. You need a 3 ball in todays game to play point.
6"10" PG? w🏀w!
magic at center = jokic
it finally made sense
Manu Ginobili would be an awesome episode
Do Vince carter n t Mac next
Already done those two!
Isaiah was the first to kick Magic when he was down. With his homophobia.
He thought he would be the #1 point guard with Magic gone and he’d get all his fans.
Bird let Magic get in his head with that friendly LeBron James shi you can't be friendly and expect to go as hard and be the same beast because it takes the fire 🔥 and hunger out of you...
The greatest performance by a rookie
Do Paul George
Im not crying youre crying
Point guards are supposed to lead the team, facilitate the plays and act as the coach on the court. They are not suppose to shoot insane distances and run the court and use screens to get open ala Steph Curry or score a bunch of points ala Allen Iverson or stat pad ala Russell WEstbrook. MAgic is the perfect pg, the greatest of all time. He led, he facilitated, he dominated and he won. Lakers never miss the play offs with him. Lakers reached the finals for 9 years out of 12 seasons with him as the lead pg. Lakers won 5 titles including a back to back in 87 and 88. No other pg did what Magic accomplished in his career. Not the Big O, not Zeke, not John Stockton, not STeve Nash, not Steph, not CP3, not Jason Kidd or Gary Payton. He is HIM.
I hated how he would stick his leg out when he would shoot a layup like he was doing a jump kick.
Magic would have been giannis in todays game but a better passer
Take notesLebron
Thomas isn't better than Stockton. Thomas was a great player on a stacked Pistons team.
Are you serious? Now I know delusional people are a real thing. Isiah was the best player and driving force on a Pistons team that went to 5 straight conference finals including 3 straight finals, back to back championships and finals MVP. Stockton was a sidekick to Karl Malone. I'll take being the #1 option and the leader of the team thats a champion over the sidekick with no rings any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
michael jordan broo
Issues from the 80😢 Isiah piston “his An, ass h-l always and will be 2923
ion know bout that smoochin shii magic n thomas got goin on
Bro do jordan
i respect magic johnson as a die hard laker fan but im ngl eventho ik he have a wife i really thought this man was gay for sec at 19:43
Johnson and Thomas were lovers.
Kareem
People still think LBJ is better than magic
Never got sick magic might of gotten 6
Totally disagree with iiasah
Magic would dominate as pg just like he did before
They would have no answer for him
Larry bird
That’s all folk , piggyback
Oh koby. You can’t say you’re the greatest laker ever cause you’re just not. Top 5 …… maybe
Kobe always said Magic Johnson was the greatest Laker ever and that Magic was his idol. He said that his game wouldn't be complete without Magic because he stole so much from him. Koby had the ultimate respect for Magic as a player and a person.
Why is Lebron on here.
Wilt, Bird, Magic, Mj, Kobe. No not Kareem...Wilt... Wilt was twice the baller Kareem was
Definitely not Kobe. His numbers don't stack up.
i jist jeed to kmow tje rwal.story about his whole HIV SITUATION. was it just propaganda to spread awareness?
It was a different game back then. magic was basically playing against accountants. And plus back then they didn't understand anything about diet and exercise.
Magic would have a very difficult time playing against today's more athletic players. He might still be an all star but he would not dominate
Not even close man, sit yo behind out of these debates 😂😂😂
I have to look into this situation a bit further. But just looking at what was going on at that time. I feel that Kareem felt he was end all be all. And may have faked an injury. To force the debate that he was the best on the team. He didn't realize that magic could match his greatness.