Magic Johnson shares an MJ story: ‘It was in this moment, that he became the best player in the world’

Magic and Bird are the ones that saved the NBA, Jordan took it to another level. Magic shares a story when Mike took over

Magic Johnson, one of the greatest NBA players, had an illustrious 13-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championships in the 1980s. His partnership with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar defined the Lakers’ dominance. However, his career was cut short by his HIV diagnosis, marking the end of his era.

Michael Jordan debuted in 1984, but the Lakers were still on top. Jordan didn’t win his first championship until 1991 when the Chicago Bulls beat the Lakers in the NBA Finals. This victory marked the transition from Magic to Jordan as the league’s leading star. Magic briefly returned in the 1995-96 season but retired for good after that.


Magic Johnson, revered in the NBA, was a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers, earning immense respect for his unique skills. Michael Jordan eventually matched this reputation. Their clash in the 1991 NBA Finals, where Jordan’s Chicago Bulls defeated Magic’s Lakers, symbolized a changing of the guard, starting the Bulls’ decade-long dominance similar to the Lakers in the ’80s.

Recently, Magic appeared on the Late Night Show with Jimmy Kimmel to promote his Apple TV+ documentary, “They Call Me Magic.” He shared a humorous story about Larry Bird and Michael Jordan during his brief return after his HIV retirement.


“On the back of the bus, Larry Bird told me, ‘There’s a new sheriff in town, and his name is Michael Jordan.’ Larry and I had dominated the ’80s with the Celtics and Lakers. So, it was Jordan’s turn. He sat back with his cigar and said, ‘It’s my league now.’ We just had to agree,” Magic recounted.

Magic also reminisced about being Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s rookie, his groundbreaking 1984 contract, and his nightlife with Jerry Buss. He shared anecdotes about his friendship with Isiah Thomas, returning to basketball after his HIV diagnosis, and his role as co-owner of the Dodgers, including thoughts on Clayton Kershaw being pulled from a potentially perfect game.