What made Magic the greatest of all time wasn’t just his unbelievable passing or his clutch shooting or his ability to win, but his ability to make everyone of his teammates look like all stars! He made his teammates better than their own abilities ever could. No one has ever done it like him and most likely no one ever will. I’m so grateful to have been able to watch his entire career! He was unbelievable!
@@mja91352 well, that’s easy. First of all it’s an opinion, but so you don’t have to wait for eternity, here we go. First Kareem was great from high school through UCLA and into the pros. He was statistically great! Head and shoulders above the rest. His skyhook was the most unstoppable 2 points the game has ever seen. You would have had to be blind not to see the impact that Magic had on Kareem’s career. He became more animated with Magic as a teammate. Kareem exhibited much more joy in the game with Magic than he did prior. I believe that Kareem would not have won any of those 5 Laker championships with out Magic. I also believe that Magic helped extend Kareem’s career. I think he would have retired a few years earlier. Of course it’s all conjecture and opinions. I’m entitled to mine, I’ve watched and paid close attention to both of them for their entire careers. You are entitled to your opinion though. Remember opinions are like ass holes, everybody’s got one. That’s what makes these topics fun. So now you don’t have to wait for eternity!
michael jordan was mj oscar robertson was the big o kareem abdul-jabbar was cap wilt chamberlain was the big dipper and wilt the stilt and bill russell was russ
What's funny is, he was a highlight reel every game. Most players highlights are the same incredible 15-20 plays, but Magic has unlimited moments. From passes to clutch shots he was incredible to watch
Was my hero. Was in high school during showtime. Tried to play ball just like him. I know I am not alone here. Michael was definitely a better scorer, Magic made everybody on the team a better scorer. Best team leader in history.
Growing up as a Lakers fan, I had the privilege to watch him play on TV and follow every Lakers game most intensely the rivalry between La and Boston. Boy that rivalry was something. It's one for the ages!
Greatest player of all time..I love the way he has played, absolutely amazing..It NEVER gonna be someone like Magic.His personality, his passion for Basketball and his great talent and skills make him the absolutely greatest player of all time. 4 ever Magic and 4 ever the 80s Showtime Lakers!!!!! The Best Team ever with the best 2 players of all time JABBAR & MAGIC!!!
I really miss this style of basketball. I haven't watched enough in recent years to say the game was better then than it is now, but the game was certainly more entertaining to watch. Also the championship games between the Lakers - Sixers, Lakers-Celtics, Lakers-Pistons produced some extraordinary games. It was a great ride and I'm grateful that I got to see it.
Bird was a better scorer and rebounder and close in passing. Really, you can't talk about one without the other. Both amazed me and I feel lucky to have watched them play.
@@whitneymacdonald4396 Love Magic but Larry def had a better all around game. 3's, rebounding, defense Bird had no fundamental weaknesses. 90% FT shooter as well.
Magic figured out early that getting his teammates involved made the difference to them playing all out; and Winning!They were valued so they ran the court, believed Magic would find them if they ran the court, played Defense, and played as a team! Magic won @ every level from High school (State Championship), College (National Championship), NBA (World Championship), And Olympic Gold Medalist! He’s a winner, controlled the flow of the game, and understood his teammates strengths and weaknesses. A True Champion. Larry Bird was cut from the same cloth. Michael Jordan figured it out later in his career.
Butter 2926 Nah MJ didn't have a Kareem and he had to be as offensive as he was. Not to mention he was also the best defensive player in the league years before he won his first ring. Once he had some better calibre players to ball with he was not reluctant to distribute more and involve his teammates. When MJ was asked to play the point guard position for a stretch in the 1988/89 season he was as dominant a point guard as Magic. The fact is that MJ was the only allstar on the Bulls when he won his first title (Pippen was not yet an Allstar in 1990/91). Something that can't be said for almost every championship team since the Magic/Bird era.
I was lucky enough to have grown up in LA during the "showtime" Lakers era and thank God for Chick Hearn and channel 9 I watched every game. I only wish I would have gone to more games. Magic was the greatest of all time he could play Guard, Forward, and Center...GOAT
Best point guard ever!! Just imagine what his stats would be if he were just a little more selfish with the ball!....And the thing is he could score at will...In my opinion he's one of the best post players I've ever seen down on the blocks...just deadly!!
Must be nice. I had to wait for the nationwide telecasts to see the Lakers but hell they showed them on ALL the national TV outlets so it was like they were the local team. I saw the showtime Lakers during the ENTIRE decade of the 80's. The 1st time i saw Magic was the famous national championship game against Larry Bird and Indiana St.
I remember early 80s in San Diego, my friends would go out on Friday nights, I'd stay home and listen to the Lakers on 570 a.m. I was just in junior high, but I was a frequent caller to Chick's pregame show. One day, I called and spoke to him, then watched the game on Prime Ticket. anyhoo, as I'm watching the game, lo and behold, Chick talks about my phone call during the telecast! He mentioned what I asked and what he replied to me! You can only imagine how 13 yr old me felt.
Magic Johnson perhaps..the most intelligent player of the NBA ! The heart of the team he was the man of the match.. most of the times , that makes him a legend
I appreciated the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. Me and my sibs were Lakers fans and my dad was a diehard Celtic fan. My dad (a Mississippian) told us that he was a Celtics fan because back in the 1950s and 1960s Bill Russell (along with pro football’s Jim Brown) was a hero to Black Americans👍🏾
Exactly, I think that the only other point guard in NBA history that's even came close to achieving Magic's greatness since then has been Steph Curry. But he's never gonna beat Magic's legacy.
CoolKid BraDude Magic, Stockton, Curry, those are the top 3 of the last 40 years, I wasn’t alive to know about the ones before them, but since 80 that would be my top 3.
Jii Hjkj Well do Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash have 3 rings? Did they set multiple records in one season? Did they revolutionize how the game of basketball is played? Did they lead their team to 73 wins? No. I didn’t think so. As great as CP3, Kidd, and Nash are. None of them have anywhere close the same legacy as Curry.
He’s passing is insane. The creativity, shiftiness it just makes you think where is he going to pass it to and u can’t think because you only have about a second of time to think. Best passer of all time
Magic Johnson was the best after he retired I enjoyed watching Jordan play but I always miss watching magic he will always be my favorite no matter what
@Tray Ross ...lol .magic better passer , defender and magic often led nba in steals...better rebounder...better scorer, better leader and the term " making other players better" is based on magic, better winner..magic never missed the playoffs..never not once...better free throw shooter...le Bron is nowhere near as good as magic was and as long as LeBron shooting free throws at 68 or 69 percent he can never be the goat... Bron is good but what your saying is a joke
@Tray Ross DO YOU BLIND HOW YOU CAN SAID THAT SHIT AFTER looking THIS VIDEO OF magic Johnson MAGIC JOHNSON IS MUCH better BASKETBALL PLAYER THAN LeBron James AND PROBABLY THE ONLY REAL GOAT FROM THIS SPORT OF BASKETBALL.by a MILE MAGIC BETTER THAN LeBron James NOT EVEN CLOSED
@Boredasfuc I love them both. But you actually has to put Steph in the conversation. Magic was incredible in every category and tops steph. but Stephs handle is better for me. And then there is outta world shooting... don't say he#s the best. but you have to discuss him...
Magic’s unreal. The pace and tempo these guys played at is unreal. The way a rookie gets out there and has everyone believing they’re gonna beat the sixers in six is unreal. He’s the greatest of all time.
I'm a 80s baby from Australia 🇦🇺🦘I heard Of magic.what a legend he was.i never watched him Play Live on TV.im so honoured n grateful bit emotional with joy I can watch his highlights n documentaries of this legend 🙌🏿🙏🏿.#peoples champ👌🏿#the ali of basketball 😎👍🏿
There was no NBA in Spain back in the beginning of the 80's. It was known Americans were the best at basketball but we couldn't really tell. Then a genius called David Stern globalized the product and a 14 years old Spanish kid could see a Lakers-Celtic from the 1985 finals. I couldn't believe those guys were from the same planet as mine...Kareem, Bird, Worthy....Magic tho. He was from another galaxy. Magic Johnson made me love basketball forever.
Along with regular half-court game winners, Magic made an insane amount of buzzer beaters from the opposite side of the court. I say "insane" relative to what other super stars have made. Can you think of any prayers from the opposite side of the court Lebron, MJ or Kobe made? Magic hit so many of them, and I'm glad this video showed some of them. His clutchness has been glossed over by the media. And of course, people talk about his passing, but he scored when he needed to. People often ask why no one has ever learned Kareem's hook, which is another thing the media has glossed over, Magic did it! Maybe it wasn't a complete skyhook but Magic mastered the "baby" hook, and like the skyhook, no one has bothered to master the baby hook. Double him, he makes the right play. Single coverage, he scores on you easily. Foul him, he makes 85% of his FT's, and was 90% in his prime. If all the stars in the history of the game were 25 yrs old again, I'd draft Magic with the #1 pick.
Great comment. Magic is far underrated as a finisher. I can´t think of anyone better at getting and converting good shots near the basket. One aspect of his genius is how he was able to clone the games of other great players on to his own. Earl Monroe, Pete Maravich, George Gervin, Oscar Robertson, Kareem--notice how he perfected elements of their games and made them his own.
He's my g.o.a.t for those reasons named..Magic could've easily averged mid to high 20's for his entire career but he was a true pass first point guard 9 final appearances 5 chips in 13yrs of playing and he lost to and beat power houses 76ers Celtics Pistons Bulls...playoffs every year yes the g.o.a.t in my book
No one have ever had that carisma and magic in the history of NBA!! Only Magic Johnson could do that magic with the ball!! Hats off to one the greatest to ever play this amazing sport!!
There will never be no basketball player on the planet earth,that passes a basketball like Magic Johnson or play all 5 positions in s NBA championship game and not only win but also win MVP.
Red Army Lebron James is a great player,but he is not like Magic Johnson,and yes I do like Lebron James,and he is 6" 8,Magic was 6" 9 ,they are two different players.Magic won a NBA championship in his rookie year,played all 5 positions on the court when Kareem Abdul Jabbar was hurt,You cannot say the same about the great Lebron James.(But with all respect,Lebron James will break records and go to the Hall of Fame when he is finished,but like I said before ,there will never be another Ervin Magic Johnson)
Watching him on TV never did him justice. When I saw my first no-look pass at the Forum, it was breathtaking. He’s still my all-time favorite Laker. It was so much fun watching him.
No, Ronaldinho is a legend of football/soccer but he wasn't at the same level as Magic. This guy was not only a great basketball player, he was the basketball game himself. As I always say, Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball player of all times (the "GOAT"), but Magic was the game himself.
I was turning 19 years old when he was first drafted in NBA, he was my first NBA fav player & became my forever fav of all times that's why i became an avid Lakers fan up to now because of him. He's really the greatest player of all times, his passing was incredibly unbelievable to watch, i love watching all his games. It's like always watching a showtime. I love Magic. ❤
I am born and raised in Los Angeles. I am so blessed as a Laker Fan to have lived to see Magic and the Showtime Lakers play!!! It still to this day give me chills!
i know rite! even Snoop Dogg got an ol skool Pontiac car with gold paint gloss exterior and purple plesh interior & called it Magic! but i seen it on MTV Cribs & Mike Jones video called My "64" check it out on RUclips bcuz Snoop car is badd-azz!
If I could put one all-time great NBA player in his prime in a time machine and bring him to the present day, I'd choose Magic. He was way ahead of his time. Would *love* to see what Magic could do running a modern, high-pace, NBA offense with constant pick-n-rolls, 3 shooters and a rim-rolling big man.
You can't watch anymore an NBA player played like Magic Johnson now a days. There's always the thrill & excitement in watching him , that's why i love to watch repeatedly all his games.
Compliments to the editor of this video. The music perfectly reflects the somber knowledge that this kind of greatness we witnessed live so many years ago is likely gone forever. Magic was the ultimate team player on and off the court. It was a grand time in NBA history and I miss it dearly. And Chick Hearn was THE perfect voice of the last great era of the NBA.
This video confirms why he was and will always be my favorite basketball player ever. I grew up in the 80s & 90s in Miami before there was The Heat. Me and my friends would play ball trying to throw passes and make assists like Magic and would hit people in the face cause we sucked but we were inspired by how he played. It was beautiful to watch him play, nothing was more entertaining in the NBA than Magic leading the fast break. Magic will always be my #1.
When the Lakers lost to the Bulls in '91, they were riddled with injuries, and therefore not playing at their full potential. Even though they lost in 5, it was still a great series, and would have been a lot better if they were all healthy. Plus that was a weaker version of the 80s "Showtime" Lakers. Jordan and Pippen were able to give Magic all of their attention, and somewhat contain him. It's a great compliment to have 2 of the best defenders in NBA history devoting their full attention to just one player. Magic is a Bball god, and will always be considered one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Thank God I am just old enough to have witnessed "Magic" in the second half of his career. This man was my childhood idol, I wore #32 thru 7 years of playing. The man who made "passing" the ball, cool. To this day, I would prefer to see a beautiful pass instead of a beautiful scoring play - Top 5 player of all time and quite possibly, the #1 most versatile player EVER - He's an All Star and Legend, playing both the Point Guard position and Center - never happened before, never will again. When Larry Bird calls you the greatest player he's ever seen...that means something.
I was too young when he was playing i was born in 1980 so I never paid him attention. Being a basketball fan or my life, I see the greatest of my time, Jordan, kobe, lebron, wade, curry, durant, grant hill, Shaq, tim duncan, the claw, iverson, morant, anteteokumpo, so many. Yet when I see this highlights. I see real magic on basketball. He is my goat. No matter what others say about him. He was and will always be amazing.
When I was 13 years old in 1987, I didn't care, nor know much about basketball at all. Never even touched a basketball before. But there were all these commercials on TV hyping up this "Magic vs. Bird", "Lakers vs. Celtics" game 1 for the upcoming NBA finals. So there it was - a hot summer day in June, and I needed a break from playing "Mike Tyson's Punch Out" on my Nintendo. Lo and behold, game 1 was starting on TV, so I decided to watch. I wanted to know who this Larry "Bird" was and who this so-called "Magic" Johnson was. Figured I'd watch for a few minutes to at least see their faces before I got back to my Nintendo. I watched.....and I watched a bit more. The first quarter went by and I couldn't stop watching. By the end of the game, I was an instant Magic Johnson fan (and I'm a white guy!!)! About a week later, I found an old bent up basketball hoop somewhere, of course with no net on it. I nailed it to a big oak tree that was on the side of our gravel driveway. Got an old, bald basketball from somewhere (God only recalls where), and I shot that basketball at that hoop the rest of the summer, pretending I was Magic Johnson playing for the "Show Time" Lakers. I went on through junior high and high school, making the basketball team each year. Had a life size poster of Magic in my bedroom through the rest of my teen years. I wore #32 and had Magic's Converse shoes too when I played HS basketball. Watching videos like these of Magic brings back a lot of great memories!! Wish I could go back.
Magic O Magic there will be no show time again I am so privileged to watch you live many times you have done to the NBA in ten years others couldn't charisma, Magic smile, respected by all NBA players True GOAT one more thing... can you guys imagine if he played 15-18 seasons Best of the best to say the least Thank you Magic for your Magic.... i love you for what you have showed us during the show time
Terms I never heard of before I saw the Great Magic Johnson. The Triple Double, coast to coast lay up, (or Dunk), and of course "6'9" Point Gaurd". A match up Nightmare for the other Point Gaurd 's in his Era. I know that the "Big O" averaged a triple double, but he was slightly before my time.
@@landrewilkinson2833 I absolutely love Magic He won on every level However the greatest basketball player ever won on every level also His high school team is still team of the century. Won 3 national championships in college Won 3 Most valuable player final 4 they took the dunk out of college because of him so he developed the most unstoppable shot in the history of basketball freshman couldn't play when he was in college He has 6 NBA Championships He has a record 6 MVP awards and is the all time leading scorer in NBA history his name KAREEM ABDUL JABBAR. and it's not even close
@@MrBishop1954you make a great case. I have to go with Wilt his numbers speak for themselves. He dominated the game like no one else. Magic is my #2, Bird #3, #4 Moses Malone, #5 MJ. Nice starting five, huh? :) i don't think Kareem gets 6 titles without Magic. He 33 yrs old with one title, the next 5, LA was Magic's team.
This guy is beyond words, hes an omniscient being on the court, he sees all and knows all, that what makes the passes so unique and accurate. Hes a really smart dude. Feels like hes playing everyone scene in his mind before he makes them. He truly dominanted the court because of how unpredictable he is. What a Legend.
This is one of the best devotionals I've ever seen on YT: -got misty eyed. Magic was one of the greatest artists in BB, and gave the world of sport and it's spectators SO much joy as well as propelling the Lakers to unparalleled heights of popularity. I rode the wave of highs and highlights, and the social impact all thru that era with this team (I lived in Los Angeles), and it was amazing. The whole "Lakers" event was a Once -in-a-lifetime occurrence,... and one I'm very proud to have witnessed it in the prime of my life. Mankind is still struggling to get anything right!, and especially to find footing between animal instinct, physicality, technology, and spiritual potential, and thank goodness for sport for bringing the these together in a productive and inspiring manner.
I truly think Magic was the best. I was old enough to remember the 80’s and 90’s where it seemed like there were a ton of superstars playing, all relatively during the same time... I always thought Magic was the GOAT. Yes Jordan was Jordan, but Magic was pure.... well... MAGIC! Dude was not only fun to watch, he made everyone have their mouths to the floor with his play. You never knew what was going to happen when he was playing. Nobody could guard him and his passing made the Lakers damn near impossible to beat!
ain't no top 5 NBA great for Magic bcuz he number #1. Magic iz the G.O.A.T. of the NBA, Magic saved the NBA, set the standard 4 the NBA and brought excitement 2 the NBA, the Harlem Globetrotters wanted Magic 2 play 4 them but he turned it down bcuz Magic don't play silly b-ball, he play real b-ball, Magic was the captain ov the Dream Team in "92" bcuz being apart ov Magic b-ball team was a dream kom tru, even Dr.J. Bird, Isaiah, & Jordan wood agree & approve this message, thay don't call him Showtime 4 nothing, this highlight film is the reason.
1st of all, who ever those 152 people who that gave this thumbs down...You're dopes!!! I can honestly say that I've seen everyone of those games. Some at the Fabulous Forum. People talk about Michael and Kobe and LeBron and a few others...but you ask just about any coach who they would choose 1st to build a team around, they almost certainly would say Magic. To me, he was the greatest to ever lace 'em up. During his career, he lead the league in steals, lead the league in free-throw percentage, obviously several years he lead the league in assists. And for a point guard to average almost 8 boards, that's amazing. Not to mention his entertainment quality. People underrate him as a defender but he knew defenses and he played excellent team defense. His vertical leap was not that great but his basketball IQ was the best there ever was. He was like a coach on the floor. That's what made him great. He didnt average 20 points a game because that's all he could score. He could have average 35 if he wanted, but as a young player he chose to be the facilitator. That's what being a true leader in a team sport is all about. Sharing and doing what it took to win. And he did it every season with flare! His will to win was equal to or greater than anyone. Shoulda had a few more titles, but injuries kept him out of a couple finals so we'll never know. To me, Show Time was the best 12 year TV series I've ever experienced and I miss that brand of basketball. I was only a Laker fan because of Magic. He announced his retirement on my 30th birthday. The worst birthday ever. I was so looking forward to taking my young daughter to game to share that experience. But could you just imagine Magic in the league today in his prime??? Holy Shit!...he would be tearing this league up and giving G.S. fits trying to figure this man out.....and making this league so much more entertaining!
Un onore aver messo la sveglia in quelle notti negli anni 80 per vedere quelle incredibili sfide tra Magic & Bird. Alcuni dei ricordi più belli della mia giovinezza. Grazie.
Best ever ..show time at its best...made everyone on his team better players.. made basketball fun to watch pure entertainment...there will only be one magic man...
Спорт
Watching with tears at 49 years old.
What made Magic the greatest of all time wasn’t just his unbelievable passing or his clutch shooting or his ability to win, but his ability to make everyone of his teammates look like all stars! He made his teammates better than their own abilities ever could. No one has ever done it like him and most likely no one ever will. I’m so grateful to have been able to watch his entire career! He was unbelievable!
well said...hes not a one man show like others..he makes basketball a team member show as it should be...
Melhor comentário de todos. Satisfatório saber isso. Obrigado
Explain how Magic made Kareem "better than his own abilities ever could." We'll wait. For eternity.
@@mja91352 well, that’s easy. First of all it’s an opinion, but so you don’t have to wait for eternity, here we go. First Kareem was great from high school through UCLA and into the pros. He was statistically great! Head and shoulders above the rest. His skyhook was the most unstoppable 2 points the game has ever seen. You would have had to be blind not to see the impact that Magic had on Kareem’s career. He became more animated with Magic as a teammate. Kareem exhibited much more joy in the game with Magic than he did prior. I believe that Kareem would not have won any of those 5 Laker championships with out Magic. I also believe that Magic helped extend Kareem’s career. I think he would have retired a few years earlier. Of course it’s all conjecture and opinions. I’m entitled to mine, I’ve watched and paid close attention to both of them for their entire careers. You are entitled to your opinion though. Remember opinions are like ass holes, everybody’s got one. That’s what makes these topics fun. So now you don’t have to wait for eternity!
I think I just witnessed one million assists in 10 minutes. Growing up In the 8os, I didn’t want to be like mike, I wanted to be like Magic.
No other player deserved their nickname so much. This is really magic...
A basketball miracle from heaven
maybe prime penny
He is so amazing ion no what yall talking bout
how about hakeem the dream jerry west was mr clutch larry bird was larry legend
michael jordan was mj oscar robertson was the big o kareem abdul-jabbar was cap wilt chamberlain was the big dipper and wilt the stilt and bill russell was russ
What's funny is, he was a highlight reel every game. Most players highlights are the same incredible 15-20 plays, but Magic has unlimited moments. From passes to clutch shots he was incredible to watch
amonstersmusic Precisely he was always spectacular. Never ordinary. It was always showtime with Magic.
Greatest of all time because he involved his whole team!
I feel bad for any basketball fan who never got a chance to see Magic play. Words can't describe how amazing he was.
you are so right. it was so much fun to watch magic and the lakers take the court.
Absolutely.
RUclips highlights for that
Was my hero. Was in high school during showtime. Tried to play ball just like him. I know I am not alone here. Michael was definitely a better scorer, Magic made everybody on the team a better scorer. Best team leader in history.
Growing up as a Lakers fan, I had the privilege to watch him play on TV and follow every Lakers game most intensely the rivalry between La and Boston. Boy that rivalry was something. It's one for the ages!
To this day. Nobody can do what Magic did back in the day!!! Amazing!
Greatest player of all time..I love the way he has played, absolutely amazing..It NEVER gonna be someone like Magic.His personality, his passion for Basketball and his great talent and skills make him the absolutely greatest player of all time. 4 ever Magic and 4 ever the 80s Showtime Lakers!!!!! The Best Team ever with the best 2 players of all time JABBAR & MAGIC!!!
facts. agreed.
U mean mj tf
Love magic but stop there's only one goat and he's 6 6 from north Carolina
@@EzMoney95 we who think Magic is the greatest are entitled to our opinion
YES...Worthy actually is TOP TEN all Time as well TBH!!!
I really miss this style of basketball. I haven't watched enough in recent years to say the game was better then than it is now, but the game was certainly more entertaining to watch. Also the championship games between the Lakers - Sixers, Lakers-Celtics, Lakers-Pistons produced some extraordinary games. It was a great ride and I'm grateful that I got to see it.
His passes are out of this world...
Best 10 minutes of my day. Never will be another quite like Magic.
Magic Johnson had no equal.The Coldest
player to play the game ever!!!!!
My favorite athlete of all times. Smartest player ever. For me always number 1
TILL I DIE!
Simply the best all around team player in NBA history. He made anyone he played with better for the team goal. The greatest....
Bird was a better scorer and rebounder and close in passing. Really, you can't talk about one without the other. Both amazed me and I feel lucky to have watched them play.
@@whitneymacdonald4396 Love Magic but Larry def had a better all around game. 3's, rebounding, defense Bird had no fundamental weaknesses. 90% FT shooter as well.
Magic figured out early that getting his teammates involved made the difference to them playing all out; and Winning!They were valued so they ran the court, believed Magic would find them if they ran the court, played Defense, and played as a team!
Magic won @ every level from High school (State Championship), College (National Championship), NBA (World Championship), And Olympic Gold Medalist! He’s a winner, controlled the flow of the game, and understood his teammates strengths and weaknesses. A True Champion. Larry Bird was cut from the same cloth. Michael Jordan figured it out later in his career.
Like no one else, Magic made his teammates better.
The most unselfish superstar of all time.
Butter 2926 Nah MJ didn't have a Kareem and he had to be as offensive as he was. Not to mention he was also the best defensive player in the league years before he won his first ring. Once he had some better calibre players to ball with he was not reluctant to distribute more and involve his teammates. When MJ was asked to play the point guard position for a stretch in the 1988/89 season he was as dominant a point guard as Magic. The fact is that MJ was the only allstar on the Bulls when he won his first title (Pippen was not yet an Allstar in 1990/91). Something that can't be said for almost every championship team since the Magic/Bird era.
Thanks for skipping Dominique LOL 😂 😂
Magic made his teammates into super stars. He is the greatest guard in nba
I was lucky enough to have grown up in LA during the "showtime" Lakers era and thank God for Chick Hearn and channel 9 I watched every game. I only wish I would have gone to more games. Magic was the greatest of all time he could play Guard, Forward, and Center...GOAT
Chick's announcing made it even better. Just legendary
Magic doesn't shoot the ball. He passes it to the hoop.
Best point guard ever!! Just imagine what his stats would be if he were just a little more selfish with the ball!....And the thing is he could score at will...In my opinion he's one of the best post players I've ever seen down on the blocks...just deadly!!
Nice
@MANCHESTER UNITED who cares
He was a leader he made his real better
@M no it’s not
Endless highlights. Truly the GOAT.
I remembered those late 80s early 90s doing my homework and watching the Lakers on channel 9 in LA, great memories.
Those were days - Lakers basketball on Channel 9 (Kttv)
That's exactly what u was going to say!! Those were the days! Listening to Chick Hearn... "The butter is getting hard and the jello is jiggling!"
Must be nice. I had to wait for the nationwide telecasts to see the Lakers but hell they showed them on ALL the national TV outlets so it was like they were the local team. I saw the showtime Lakers during the ENTIRE decade of the 80's. The 1st time i saw Magic was the famous national championship game against Larry Bird and Indiana St.
I remember early 80s in San Diego, my friends would go out on Friday nights, I'd stay home and listen to the Lakers on 570 a.m. I was just in junior high, but I was a frequent caller to Chick's pregame show. One day, I called and spoke to him, then watched the game on Prime Ticket. anyhoo, as I'm watching the game, lo and behold, Chick talks about my phone call during the telecast! He mentioned what I asked and what he replied to me! You can only imagine how 13 yr old me felt.
You aint never lied.....me n my dad....watchijg the pregsme on KCAL 9 w/Chick. All the road games would be shown...for FREE 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 #GreatMemories
Magic was born to perform with the showtime LA Lakers in the 80's.
In my opinion, best team ever!
@@iguarni the best team ever is was and will be bill russell's celltics
@@youtuber3328 i respect Bill so much. I prefer Magic and Laker Showtime but it’s a only a reason of taste.
@@iguarni that makes complete sense
Magic made the showtime Lakers
True PG, true leader, true winner.
Wow Im speechless. One of the greatest things Ive ever watched
And that was every game
Welcome to showtime son😉👍
Magic Johnson perhaps..the most intelligent player of the NBA ! The heart of the team he was the man of the match.. most of the times , that makes him a legend
Minority opinion in 2019, but I still say that Magic is the greatest basketball player of all time. BTW, F Boston :)
Yes he is
I'm in that minority with you.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Unlike soccer, Basketball🏀players⛹🏽♂️don’t have to worry about racist fans wearing blackface in the stands.
I appreciated the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. Me and my sibs were Lakers fans and my dad was a diehard Celtic fan. My dad (a Mississippian) told us that he was a Celtics fan because back in the 1950s and 1960s Bill Russell (along with pro football’s Jim Brown) was a hero to Black Americans👍🏾
@MANCHESTER UNITED F.C curry is better than magic even. Magic just had an amazing team
Every other PG is just competing for 2nd place all time. Magic set the standard...he's still the standard
Exactly, I think that the only other point guard in NBA history that's even came close to achieving Magic's greatness since then has been Steph Curry. But he's never gonna beat Magic's legacy.
CoolKid BraDude Magic, Stockton, Curry, those are the top 3 of the last 40 years, I wasn’t alive to know about the ones before them, but since 80 that would be my top 3.
@@coolkidbradude7745
Curry is no point guard.
@@JoshDavis1016
Curry over CP3, Kid, Nash as a point guard?
Stupid.
Jii Hjkj Well do Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash have 3 rings? Did they set multiple records in one season? Did they revolutionize how the game of basketball is played? Did they lead their team to 73 wins? No. I didn’t think so. As great as CP3, Kidd, and Nash are. None of them have anywhere close the same legacy as Curry.
Let's get back to this thing called the fast break. Magic was the master
Best laker a true point guard a winner his passes are out of this world. Thank you magic Johnson for everything you did for the Lakers. Thank you
He’s passing is insane. The creativity, shiftiness it just makes you think where is he going to pass it to and u can’t think because you only have about a second of time to think. Best passer of all time
FINALLY a video that captures the essence of Magic's greatness. His reign was truly special, and always will be to me.
NO one like him. Style hasnt been seen since. One of a kind. Truly magic!!
During the 80's I tried too catch every Laker game that was televised.. because of MAGIC JOHNSON
Magic Johnson was the best after he retired I enjoyed watching Jordan play but I always miss watching magic he will always be my favorite no matter what
pretty much the most dynamic, dominant passer in NBA history!
ProtectedSouls4
true, just dynamic and precision
ProtectedSouls4 💯
Well, if you watch Bob Cousy, that was the beginning of this type of selfless, eyes-behind-the-head, no-look passes. Magic was a delight to watch.
I agree best passing, playmaker guard in NBA history.
From Pistol to Magic
Magic was sooo fun to watch!! I'm glad I was a child then. Probably the most fitting nickname in sports history!
Best player ever
Pshhhh
Theres always that one kid in the slums thats better than everyone
@Tray Ross ...lol .magic better passer , defender and magic often led nba in steals...better rebounder...better scorer, better leader and the term " making other players better" is based on magic, better winner..magic never missed the playoffs..never not once...better free throw shooter...le Bron is nowhere near as good as magic was and as long as LeBron shooting free throws at 68 or 69 percent he can never be the goat... Bron is good but what your saying is a joke
@Tray Ross DO YOU BLIND HOW YOU CAN SAID THAT SHIT AFTER looking THIS VIDEO OF magic Johnson MAGIC JOHNSON IS MUCH better BASKETBALL PLAYER THAN LeBron James AND PROBABLY THE ONLY REAL GOAT FROM THIS SPORT OF BASKETBALL.by a MILE MAGIC BETTER THAN LeBron James NOT EVEN CLOSED
Im just gonna say it....the best i have ever seen !!!....40 yrs of watching basketball
Best PG of all time undisputed
Jacob Niehaus Fact!
ToZ Eniigma he changed the game with being a 6 foot 9 inches point guard
@Boredasfuc I love them both. But you actually has to put Steph in the conversation. Magic was incredible in every category and tops steph. but Stephs handle is better for me. And then there is outta world shooting... don't say he#s the best. but you have to discuss him...
@@KirbySevenEleven Steph is good but Magic is WAY better than him, he's a legend.
@@kokeboy1337 As I said. You have to at least discuss him. You don't have to guard magic at halfcourt.
Best compilation ever!!!! Grew up watching him play wow 90% of those took me back great job👏🏽👏🏽
Magic’s unreal. The pace and tempo these guys played at is unreal. The way a rookie gets out there and has everyone believing they’re gonna beat the sixers in six is unreal. He’s the greatest of all time.
Never see a true point guard like this again.
I love that most of the calls are by Chick Hearn - magic and chick: two of the greatest!
Chick's voice sounded like a basketball hitting the court.
I'm a 80s baby from Australia 🇦🇺🦘I heard Of magic.what a legend he was.i never watched him Play Live on TV.im so honoured n grateful bit emotional with joy I can watch his highlights n documentaries of this legend 🙌🏿🙏🏿.#peoples champ👌🏿#the ali of basketball 😎👍🏿
If I had to choose one player to build a team around it would be Magic. He could do it all AND make every player around him better.
Thats who most coaches would choose too.
The way he played and handled the ball is amazing he got his team mates open with out letting the defense close in, Its truly magical
There was no NBA in Spain back in the beginning of the 80's. It was known Americans were the best at basketball but we couldn't really tell. Then a genius called David Stern globalized the product and a 14 years old Spanish kid could see a Lakers-Celtic from the 1985 finals. I couldn't believe those guys were from the same planet as mine...Kareem, Bird, Worthy....Magic tho. He was from another galaxy. Magic Johnson made me love basketball forever.
Magic Johnson mix is masterpiece. It is not only basketball but also art.
Along with regular half-court game winners, Magic made an insane amount of buzzer beaters from the opposite side of the court. I say "insane" relative to what other super stars have made. Can you think of any prayers from the opposite side of the court Lebron, MJ or Kobe made? Magic hit so many of them, and I'm glad this video showed some of them. His clutchness has been glossed over by the media. And of course, people talk about his passing, but he scored when he needed to. People often ask why no one has ever learned Kareem's hook, which is another thing the media has glossed over, Magic did it! Maybe it wasn't a complete skyhook but Magic mastered the "baby" hook, and like the skyhook, no one has bothered to master the baby hook. Double him, he makes the right play. Single coverage, he scores on you easily. Foul him, he makes 85% of his FT's, and was 90% in his prime. If all the stars in the history of the game were 25 yrs old again, I'd draft Magic with the #1 pick.
I've seen magic hit almost a full court shot to win the game...insane...he sure was fun to watch play
Me too.
Alex Rodriguez that is why he is my favorite"fun to watch".
Great comment. Magic is far underrated as a finisher. I can´t think of anyone better at getting and converting good shots near the basket. One aspect of his genius is how he was able to clone the games of other great players on to his own. Earl Monroe, Pete Maravich, George Gervin, Oscar Robertson, Kareem--notice how he perfected elements of their games and made them his own.
He's my g.o.a.t for those reasons named..Magic could've easily averged mid to high 20's for his entire career but he was a true pass first point guard 9 final appearances 5 chips in 13yrs of playing and he lost to and beat power houses 76ers Celtics Pistons Bulls...playoffs every year yes the g.o.a.t in my book
No one have ever had that carisma and magic in the history of NBA!! Only Magic Johnson could do that magic with the ball!! Hats off to one the greatest to ever play this amazing sport!!
There will never be no basketball player on the planet earth,that passes a basketball like Magic Johnson or play all 5 positions in s NBA championship game and not only win but also win MVP.
Steven Mcdowell lebron is just like magic he is more like magic than mike
Red Army Lebron James is a great player,but he is not like Magic Johnson,and yes I do like Lebron James,and he is 6" 8,Magic was 6" 9 ,they are two different players.Magic won a NBA championship in his rookie year,played all 5 positions on the court when Kareem Abdul Jabbar was hurt,You cannot say the same about the great Lebron James.(But with all respect,Lebron James will break records and go to the Hall of Fame when he is finished,but like I said before ,there will never be another Ervin Magic Johnson)
Steven Mcdowell I agres
Steven Mcdowell Ben Simmons..
Red Army I agree Lebron is like Magic, but Magic was a better team player , that’s why he has 5 Championships
Watching him on TV never did him justice. When I saw my first no-look pass at the Forum, it was breathtaking. He’s still my all-time favorite Laker. It was so much fun watching him.
Grew up in this era of basketball. It was a thing of beauty.
Magic is the ronaldino of basketball!
@MANCHESTER UNITED F.C why so confidence
MANCHESTER UNITED F.C why do you exist you waste of air
More like Zidane iverson is the ronaldinho of basketball
Facts
No, Ronaldinho is a legend of football/soccer but he wasn't at the same level as Magic. This guy was not only a great basketball player, he was the basketball game himself.
As I always say, Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball player of all times (the "GOAT"), but Magic was the game himself.
GREATEST PASSER OF ALL TIME!
I was turning 19 years old when he was first drafted in NBA, he was my first NBA fav player & became my forever fav of all times that's why i became an avid Lakers fan up to now because of him. He's really the greatest player of all times, his passing was incredibly unbelievable to watch, i love watching all his games. It's like always watching a showtime. I love Magic. ❤
I am born and raised in Los Angeles. I am so blessed as a Laker Fan to have lived to see Magic and the Showtime Lakers play!!! It still to this day give me chills!
i know rite! even Snoop Dogg got an ol skool Pontiac car with gold paint gloss exterior and purple plesh interior & called it Magic! but i seen it on MTV Cribs & Mike Jones video called My "64" check it out on RUclips bcuz Snoop car is badd-azz!
Magic is in a class by himself. He was so spectacular and fun to watch. Great scorer too
That spin move was a killer. Wow. He even emulated Kareem's sky hook to perfection
If I could put one all-time great NBA player in his prime in a time machine and bring him to the present day, I'd choose Magic. He was way ahead of his time. Would *love* to see what Magic could do running a modern, high-pace, NBA offense with constant pick-n-rolls, 3 shooters and a rim-rolling big man.
You can't watch anymore an NBA player played like Magic Johnson now a days. There's always the thrill & excitement in watching him , that's why i love to watch repeatedly all his games.
The greatest nba player of all times.
You didint say from each position
Magic 🎩 Johnson! ;; original 6 feet 8 inches point guard
He's 1 of the reasons i fell in love with the game 🏀💕🏀💕 THANK YOU MAGIC!!!
Compliments to the editor of this video. The music perfectly reflects the somber knowledge that this kind of greatness we witnessed live so many years ago is likely gone forever. Magic was the ultimate team player on and off the court. It was a grand time in NBA history and I miss it dearly. And Chick Hearn was THE perfect voice of the last great era of the NBA.
This video confirms why he was and will always be my favorite basketball player ever. I grew up in the 80s & 90s in Miami before there was The Heat. Me and my friends would play ball trying to throw passes and make assists like Magic and would hit people in the face cause we sucked but we were inspired by how he played. It was beautiful to watch him play, nothing was more entertaining in the NBA than Magic leading the fast break. Magic will always be my #1.
When the Lakers lost to the Bulls in '91, they were riddled with injuries, and therefore not playing at their full potential. Even though they lost in 5, it was still a great series, and would have been a lot better if they were all healthy. Plus that was a weaker version of the 80s "Showtime" Lakers. Jordan and Pippen were able to give Magic all of their attention, and somewhat contain him. It's a great compliment to have 2 of the best defenders in NBA history devoting their full attention to just one player. Magic is a Bball god, and will always be considered one of the greatest to ever play the game.
wow i didnt see this. i said the same thing in so many words.. but months later. LOL>
Best PG ever! He was even better before he injured his knee too!
Thank God I am just old enough to have witnessed "Magic" in the second half of his career. This man was my childhood idol, I wore #32 thru 7 years of playing. The man who made "passing" the ball, cool. To this day, I would prefer to see a beautiful pass instead of a beautiful scoring play - Top 5 player of all time and quite possibly, the #1 most versatile player EVER - He's an All Star and Legend, playing both the Point Guard position and Center - never happened before, never will again. When Larry Bird calls you the greatest player he's ever seen...that means something.
I was too young when he was playing i was born in 1980 so I never paid him attention. Being a basketball fan or my life, I see the greatest of my time, Jordan, kobe, lebron, wade, curry, durant, grant hill, Shaq, tim duncan, the claw, iverson, morant, anteteokumpo, so many. Yet when I see this highlights. I see real magic on basketball. He is my goat. No matter what others say about him. He was and will always be amazing.
his passing ability is sick
His court vision was a perfect 10.
this seems like it only happened yesterday. ..what a magical time for basketball
Pun intended?
When I was 13 years old in 1987, I didn't care, nor know much about basketball at all. Never even touched a basketball before. But there were all these commercials on TV hyping up this "Magic vs. Bird", "Lakers vs. Celtics" game 1 for the upcoming NBA finals. So there it was - a hot summer day in June, and I needed a break from playing "Mike Tyson's Punch Out" on my Nintendo. Lo and behold, game 1 was starting on TV, so I decided to watch. I wanted to know who this Larry "Bird" was and who this so-called "Magic" Johnson was. Figured I'd watch for a few minutes to at least see their faces before I got back to my Nintendo. I watched.....and I watched a bit more. The first quarter went by and I couldn't stop watching. By the end of the game, I was an instant Magic Johnson fan (and I'm a white guy!!)! About a week later, I found an old bent up basketball hoop somewhere, of course with no net on it. I nailed it to a big oak tree that was on the side of our gravel driveway. Got an old, bald basketball from somewhere (God only recalls where), and I shot that basketball at that hoop the rest of the summer, pretending I was Magic Johnson playing for the "Show Time" Lakers. I went on through junior high and high school, making the basketball team each year. Had a life size poster of Magic in my bedroom through the rest of my teen years. I wore #32 and had Magic's Converse shoes too when I played HS basketball. Watching videos like these of Magic brings back a lot of great memories!! Wish I could go back.
Man that was a fun era to be a Laker fan. Every game you'd be glued to the TV, waiting to see what Magic was going to do next. Great mixtape!
MY BEST TEAM&PLAYER OF ALL TIME MAGIC&THE SHOW TIME LAKERS.
For me as well. Show time was the best 12 years series ever thanks to Magic
Flat out knew the game!
Magic O Magic
there will be no show time again
I am so privileged to watch you live many times
you have done to the NBA in ten years others couldn't
charisma, Magic smile, respected by all NBA players
True GOAT
one more thing... can you guys imagine if he played 15-18 seasons
Best of the best to say the least
Thank you Magic for your Magic.... i love you for what you have showed us during the show time
Thank you for all those years Magic!
My pops and I watched you play in the 80’s..... best player in the world!!!
Terms I never heard of before I saw the Great Magic Johnson. The Triple Double, coast to coast lay up, (or Dunk), and of course "6'9" Point Gaurd". A match up Nightmare for the other Point Gaurd 's in his Era. I know that the "Big O" averaged a triple double, but he was slightly before my time.
Earvin
@@stephanies2239 Yeah! Him too!
The greatest basketball player to ever lace em up
Sports Fanatic no one did it better!!!!-
I totally agree with you, I've been saying this for many years..
Sports Fanatic find a dr and get urself checked man SMH
@@landrewilkinson2833
I absolutely love Magic He won on every level However the greatest basketball player ever won on every level also His high school team is still team of the century. Won 3 national championships in college Won 3 Most valuable player final 4 they took the dunk out of college because of him so he developed the most unstoppable shot in the history of basketball freshman couldn't play when he was in college He has 6 NBA Championships He has a record 6 MVP awards and is the all time leading scorer in NBA history his name
KAREEM ABDUL JABBAR. and it's not even close
@@MrBishop1954you make a great case. I have to go with Wilt his numbers speak for themselves. He dominated the game like no one else. Magic is my #2, Bird #3, #4 Moses Malone, #5 MJ. Nice starting five, huh? :) i don't think Kareem gets 6 titles without Magic. He 33 yrs old with one title, the next 5, LA was Magic's team.
Love watching these highlights. Brings back fond memories of watching KCAL 9 which broadcast their games. I've been a Lakers fan for over 50 years!
This guy is beyond words, hes an omniscient being on the court, he sees all and knows all, that what makes the passes so unique and accurate.
Hes a really smart dude. Feels like hes playing everyone scene in his mind before he makes them. He truly dominanted the court because of how unpredictable he is.
What a Legend.
Never in the history of Sports has an athlete had a more fitting nickname.
GOAT PG!
Defender80s
#1 in The Lakers
The Emperor of No Look Pass...thats Magic for you !!
5 championships in 9 years. The best player I've ever watched.
Best PG humanity will ever see
This is by far the best compilation about Magic on yt !
You have a new sub here..
This is one of the best devotionals I've ever seen on YT: -got misty eyed. Magic was one of the greatest artists in BB, and gave the world of sport and it's spectators SO much joy as well as propelling the Lakers to unparalleled heights of popularity. I rode the wave of highs and highlights, and the social impact all thru that era with this team (I lived in Los Angeles), and it was amazing. The whole "Lakers" event was a Once -in-a-lifetime occurrence,... and one I'm very proud to have witnessed it in the prime of my life. Mankind is still struggling to get anything right!, and especially to find footing between animal instinct, physicality, technology, and spiritual potential, and thank goodness for sport for bringing the these together in a productive and inspiring manner.
When I was a kid I absolutely LOVED Magic and Bird. The Golden Age of the NBA.
Magic was funny, nice, and entertaining. I loved his personality, so humble, a true leader like Larry Bird.
magic is top five all time NBA great players
Sean Felder 2nd best Ever
I truly think Magic was the best. I was old enough to remember the 80’s and 90’s where it seemed like there were a ton of superstars playing, all relatively during the same time... I always thought Magic was the GOAT. Yes Jordan was Jordan, but Magic was pure.... well... MAGIC! Dude was not only fun to watch, he made everyone have their mouths to the floor with his play. You never knew what was going to happen when he was playing. Nobody could guard him and his passing made the Lakers damn near impossible to beat!
ain't no top 5 NBA great for Magic bcuz he number #1. Magic iz the G.O.A.T. of the NBA, Magic saved the NBA, set the standard 4 the NBA and brought excitement 2 the NBA, the Harlem Globetrotters wanted Magic 2 play 4 them but he turned it down bcuz Magic don't play silly b-ball, he play real b-ball, Magic was the captain ov the Dream Team in "92" bcuz being apart ov Magic b-ball team was a dream kom tru, even Dr.J. Bird, Isaiah, & Jordan wood agree & approve this message, thay don't call him Showtime 4 nothing, this highlight film is the reason.
Thank you for producing this video. Song chosen is PERFECT
Magic.....Damn. Miss dem days
1st of all, who ever those 152 people who that gave this thumbs down...You're dopes!!! I can honestly say that I've seen everyone of those games. Some at the Fabulous Forum. People talk about Michael and Kobe and LeBron and a few others...but you ask just about any coach who they would choose 1st to build a team around, they almost certainly would say Magic. To me, he was the greatest to ever lace 'em up. During his career, he lead the league in steals, lead the league in free-throw percentage, obviously several years he lead the league in assists. And for a point guard to average almost 8 boards, that's amazing. Not to mention his entertainment quality.
People underrate him as a defender but he knew defenses and he played excellent team defense. His vertical leap was not that great but his basketball IQ was the best there ever was. He was like a coach on the floor. That's what made him great. He didnt average 20 points a game because that's all he could score. He could have average 35 if he wanted, but as a young player he chose to be the facilitator. That's what being a true leader in a team sport is all about. Sharing and doing what it took to win. And he did it every season with flare! His will to win was equal to or greater than anyone. Shoulda had a few more titles, but injuries kept him out of a couple finals so we'll never know. To me, Show Time was the best 12 year TV series I've ever experienced and I miss that brand of basketball. I was only a Laker fan because of Magic. He announced his retirement on my 30th birthday. The worst birthday ever. I was so looking forward to taking my young daughter to game to share that experience. But could you just imagine Magic in the league today in his prime??? Holy Shit!...he would be tearing this league up and giving G.S. fits trying to figure this man out.....and making this league so much more entertaining!
THE GREATEST PLAYER OF THE GREATEST DECADE OF BASKETBALL.
ONLY MAGICAL.
Wake up !
No doubt man! Lakers, Celtics, Philadelphia, the Pistons and the Bulls coming up. Some badass basketball then.
Nice Music also
Magic Johnson is my all-time favorite basketball player. Most unselfish, humble, down to earth team player I've ever seen. And "Magic" with his hands.
It was normal to watch this as a kid but as a grown up Magic is a real magician
The camera can't even keep up.
Crazy isn't it!!
He was too powerful for the camera. God gifted!
Cameraman doesn't know where he'll be passing lol. Just as confused as most of Lakers' opponents are.
best video about the magic man that i have seen in recent years
Un onore aver messo la sveglia in quelle notti negli anni 80 per vedere quelle incredibili sfide tra Magic & Bird. Alcuni dei ricordi più belli della mia giovinezza. Grazie.
Best ever ..show time at its best...made everyone on his team better players.. made basketball fun to watch pure entertainment...there will only be one magic man...