Tag: Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson compared Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to his and Larry Bird’s generational impact on the NBA

Magic Johnson compared Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to his and Larry Bird’s heyday.

NBA legend Magic Johnson confirmed what a lot of people have been thinking about star WNBA rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on Monday.

Johnson compared the two’s ongoing ascent and their impact on basketball to what he and NBA great Larry Bird sparked in the 1980s with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, respectively.

It feels like Johnson adding credibility to this comparison gives it real, meaningful weight for how important the Clark and Reese dynamic is to the league and to basketball overall.

To Johnson, the entire sport is being lifted by the two playing each other and using those matchups to sharpen their iron and further establish their legend.

“When I think about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s impact on the game, they remind me a lot of Larry Bird and me,” Johnson wrote on Twitter (X).

“Our first meeting, Indiana State vs. Michigan State, in the NCAA Championship set the all-time viewership record for men’s basketball. Caitlin and Angel’s 2023 NCAA Championship matchup and their 2024 Elite Eight games were the highest viewership records at the time.”

He also pointed out how those two are leading to drastic surges in interest for the WNBA like he and Bird achieved with the NBA during their primes.

“Larry and I heightened the NBA’s overall popularity. The Lakers and Celtics sold out arenas throughout the league and increased television viewership exponentially,” Johnson wrote. “The higher viewership numbers led to the NBA signing significantly larger TV contracts which then led to higher salaries for the players.

“Caitlin and Angel are now doing the same thing, selling out arenas and increasing the viewership. They have taken women’s basketball by storm and with expiring TV deals on the horizon, the WNBA is now in a position to negotiate higher TV contracts and increase salaries for all of the talented players.”

 

Johnson also specifically praised Reese for her dominant performance for the Chicago Sky on Sunday in their victory over Clark’s Indiana Fever.

For as long as this rivalry goes, the sport will be all the better for it. As Johnson astutely points out, these two are forging some serious goodwill for basketball by playing each other and thriving in the process.

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Playoff MVPs: Choosing the best player in each postseason in NBA history

HoopsHype chooses an NBA Playoffs MVP for every postseason, including LeBron James, Michael Jordan and many more all-timers.

In the NBA, there is a regular season MVP and a Finals MVP, but no award for the best player of the postseason, which is odd if you think about it. Hell, we even had a bubble MVP that one time.

No worries, though, because we are here to right that wrong by naming a Playoff MVP for every postseason dating back all the way to the BAA days. There’s a bit of overlap between Finals MVP and our pick for Playoff MVP but there are also many years in which our Playoff MVP pick didn’t even see his team win the championship.

With so many players to discuss and so many Playoff MVP awards to hand out, let’s get right to it.

(You can go to the bottom of the page to see how many times each legend is selected).

Magic Johnson hysterically lamented the Celtics passing the Lakers in all-time NBA titles

Lakers fans might want to look away.

The Boston Celtics officially have more NBA championships than the Los Angeles Lakers.

While the Lakers won a title in the defunct National Basketball League in 1948, Los Angeles only boasts 17 titles from its time in the NBA.

After winning Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals on Monday night over the Dallas Mavericks, the Celtics officially passed the Lakers with an 18th league championship in franchise history.

Lakers legend Magic Johnson didn’t seem too thrilled about the reluctant passing of the torch from one legacy team to the other, and he was quick to mention that on Twitter (X) right after the game.

The Lakers will undoubtedly want to even the score in the years to come to get that 18th NBA championship.

For now, the Celtics will have the bragging rights until something changes.

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Magic Johnson reacts to passing of basketball legend Jerry West

Magic Johnson reacts to passing of basketball legend Jerry West

Michigan State basketball legend Magic Johnson and Jerry West are two of the best players in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise, so it was no surprise that Magic Johnson took to social media on Wednesday to remember the life of his old friend and mentor.

You can read his full message below:

I met Jerry West for the first time in 1979 at the Forum where he introduced me to Bill Sharman, Chick Hearn, and then Laker owner Jack Kent Cooke. My father, agent and I negotiated over lunch then Jerry took me to the locker room to show me my Lakers jersey. I started to cry and Jerry explained to me the expectation of wearing the purple and gold, how he saw my role, and how he envisioned me fitting into the organization. I’ll never forget that moment.   When training camp began, he gave me so many golden nuggets and really critiqued every facet of my game. After every practice he would give me notes on how I could get better and those sessions carried over to the regular season. Once a week we went over what I needed to improve and how I could dominate in the league. Those meetings meant everything to me because I learned so much from him.   We had a basketball camp in Hawaii called the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp for 20 years. At the camp we shared every meal together and that’s when we really bonded and solidified our great friendship outside of the Lakers. Jerry West was more than a general manager, he was a great friend and confidante. He was there in my highest moments, winning 5 NBA Championships, and in my lowest moment when I announced my HIV diagnosis and we cried together for hours in his office.   Every time I achieved a goal or crossed a milestone, one of the first calls I received was from Jerry West. When I started my business, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, was named Lakers President of Basketball Operations – he would always pick up the phone and give me a personalized call to congratulate me.    Beyond his basketball accolades as a basketball player and NBA executive, Jerry West was a great man, a leader of men, fiercely loved his family and friends, and despite holding jobs with other franchises, he was a Lakers fan for life. Laker Nation, the only reason we have 17 NBA championships is because of Jerry West and his expertise drafting players, trading for players, and hiring the right coaches. Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans across the globe.   Cookie and I are just devastated and continue to lift up his beautiful wife Karen; sons David, Mark, Michael, Ryan and Jonnie, extended family, and loved ones in prayer.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.

10 greatest Lakers championship teams: No. 3

A look back at the 1987-88 Lakers, who had to rely on grit and toughness, and not just “Showtime,” to repeat as NBA champions.

Over a span of several decades, the Los Angeles Lakers became the gold standard of basketball by winning championship after championship. They did so with a formula that consisted of transcendent leaders, star players, selfless supporting contributors and a healthy team concept.

The Lakers are one of very few teams in sports that have had multiple dynasties. They had one in their embryonic years in Minneapolis, one during the Showtime era of the 1980s and yet another one in the first decade of the 21st century. As such, not every one of their championship teams can be put on a top 10 list.

We continue our ranking of the 10 greatest Lakers teams to win it all with one that solidified the decade of the 1980s as one that belonged to the franchise.

Upping the Ante

After being unceremoniously upset in the 1986 Western Conference Finals by the Houston Rockets, the Lakers recommitted themselves to their core values heading into the 1986-87 season — with a twist. They re-emphasized their commitment to fast-break basketball, but with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar nearing his 40th birthday, head coach Pat Riley shifted the offensive burden to Magic Johnson, asking Johnson to become the team’s No. 1 offensive option.

It resulted in 65 regular season wins and the Lakers’ fourth NBA title of the decade, which was won in six games over the Boston Celtics.

But the team was heading into the late 1980s, and the wear and tear, both physically and emotionally, was building up for it. It had been done in by complacency in 1986, so Riley guaranteed at the championship parade that it would repeat as world champions in 1988.

No NBA team had gone back-to-back since 1969, back when there were 14 teams in the league. By the 1987-88 campaign, there were 23 teams, and it was thought to be nearly impossible to win two straight titles. But Riley didn’t care. He knew that if his Lakers were to make their argument as the greatest team in league history, they had to win it all again for a second straight year.

They started the season 8-0, then went into a slump that saw them lose six of their next nine games. It was starting to look like perhaps they were becoming old and tired and that the rest of the league was catching up with them. But they then recaptured their old mojo and ripped off 38 wins in their next 42 contests.

However, along the way, the signs of the wear and tear that had accumulated over the last several years became apparent. James Worthy struggled with knee problems that eroded his legendary explosion. Michael Cooper, L.A.’s invaluable sixth man, suffered a severely sprained ankle in February and was out for most of the next two months. Magic Johnson was forced to sit for 10 games late in the schedule with a groin injury that would continue to affect him afterward.

While the Lakers finished with a league-high 62 wins in the regular season, they looked a bit vulnerable going into the playoffs.

Seven, Seven, Seven — Jackpot

The Lakers were a lot healthier when the playoffs started than they were during the second half of the regular season. They swept the San Antonio Spurs in the first round — then ran into plenty of trouble in their quest to repeat.

The Utah Jazz, who had two young future Hall of Famers named Karl Malone and John Stockton, were L.A.’s second-round opponent. They took a 2-1 series lead over the defending champs, but Johnson and crew had just enough ability and resourcefulness to win Game 5 by two points, allowing them to survive and eventually prevail in Game 7.

The Lakers then faced the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Dallas had been building a contender for the past several years, and it felt like its time had come.

After the Lakers won the first two games at home easily, Dallas tied the series at two games apiece. The Lakers responded with a blowout win in Game 5, narrowly lost Game 6 in Texas and then put away the Mavs in Game 7.

Their opponents in the 1988 NBA Finals would be not the Celtics but the Detroit Pistons, another team that had been gradually building a winning program. The Pistons had also been building what many would consider a thug academy that reviled in physically beating up opponents and committing the type of fouls that would have them facing the prospect of arrest in this day and age.

Detroit won Game 1, causing concern that L.A.’s reign was about to end. The Purple and Gold won the next two games, even though Johnson was suffering from flu-like symptoms, then dropped the next two contests to fall behind 3-2 in the series. They were one game away from giving up the NBA crown to a team that was widely hated and the antithesis of Showtime.

Los Angeles survived a 25-point third quarter from a hobbled Isiah Thomas to scrape by in Game 6 by one point. It then rallied from a five-point halftime deficit in Game 7 to build a 15-point lead, only to see the Pistons fight back like a pack of ravenous animals and come to within one point with six seconds left.

But the Lakers ended up winning, 108-105, to claim basketball’s grand prize once again. Worthy had the game of his life with 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists, earning him the finals MVP award.

They were now firmly the team of the 1980s and quite possibly the best team the NBA had ever seen, or will ever see.

Los Angeles Lakers legend Michael Cooper and Boston Celtics alum Dee Brown share Larry Bird stories

Cooper and company got into some Larry Legend hijinks, and also touched on some Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Isaiah Thomas.

Los Angeles Lakers legend Michael Cooper had a heck of a career battling Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics for titles in the 1980s, so he has saved up a bevvy of stories to share from those halcyon days. And Coop recently shared a bunch of them on a recent episode of his CLNS Media “Showtime with Michael Cooper” podcast.

Cooper and company got into some Larry Legend hijinks, and also touched on some Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Isaiah Thomas dirt for good measure.  To top it off, the guest for the episode is none other than former Bird teammate and slam dunk specialist Dee Brown, who had some nuggets of his own to share in the show.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear what they had to say about the Hick From French Lick and their peers from that era.

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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LOOK: Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner with minority owner Magic Johnson

Commanders LB Bobby Wagner spends some time with Magic Johnson.

Not many professional sports teams have an owner like Magic Johnson. A minority partner for the Washington Commanders, Johnson also owns a stake of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks and the Los Angeles FC.

Being a part of an NFL ownership team, though, was always the goal for successful businessman and Pro Basketball Hall of Famer.

While fans and athletes revere Johnson for his successful basketball career, others respect him for his post-career success in the business world. Shortly after the Josh Harris Ownership Group took over, Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin asked Johnson for his mentorship as a community leader and businessman.

This offseason, McLaurin and Johnson spent time together in Los Angeles.

On Friday, another Washington star had lunch with Johnson: Linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Wagner is already a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, known for his outstanding leadership on and off the field. He’s also a Southern California native and L.A. Lakers fan, so his admiration for Johnson runs deep.

 

Lakers legends pay tribute to Bill Walton after his death

A number of former and current Lakers stars reflected on the life and legend of Bill Walton after he died on Monday.

On Monday, the NBA world lost a giant figure when Bill Walton passed away at the age of 71 due to cancer.

In the 1970s and 1980s, he was a Hall of Fame center with the Portland Trail Blazers, San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics. While his career was cut short by numerous foot injuries, he won NBA championships in 1977 and 1986.

Before that, he was a big part of the University of California, Los Angeles’ basketball dynasty under head coach John Wooden. While Walton was there, the team won an incredible 88 games in a row and back-to-back national titles. Those who were around back then still remember him going 21-of-22 and scoring 44 points in the 1973 national championship game against Memphis State University, which the Bruins won.

Multiple Lakers legends paid tribute to his memory, including fellow Bruins great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Magic Johnson talked about how Walton was ahead of his time with his skill set.

Walton not only had the ability to score, rebound and defend, but he was especially praised for his passing skills, both out of the low post and from the high post.

James Worthy reminisced about meeting Walton in 1982 and his relationship with the former Clipper.

Byron Scott, yet another member of those Showtime Lakers of the 1980s, sent good vibes to Walton’s survivors.

In 2016, Walton’s son Luke became the Lakers’ head coach after a stint as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors. Even though the younger Walton was fired in 2019, he coached LeBron James for one season.

James sent his best wishes to the elder Walton’s soul.

The elder Walton, of course, became a well-known broadcaster for many years after his playing career ended. While some found him annoying, he was very entertaining, and the fact he overcame a lifelong stuttering problem to be a longtime broadcaster was a major accomplishment.

The world is already a sadder place without him.

Commanders star Terry McLaurin has lunch with Magic Johnson

Magic kept his promise to McLaurin.

When the Washington Commanders introduced Josh Harris and his partners as the franchise’s new owners last summer, select players were on hand. One of those players was star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Among Washington’s minority owners was NBA legend and successful businessman Magic Johnson. Cameras happened to catch the moment McLaurin met Johnson.

McLaurin expressed his admiration for Johnson as a successful businessman and man of God, mentioning he would love to have Johnson as a mentor. Johnson appreciated McLaurin’s gesture and said the two would have lunch in the future. Of course, this was before the 2023 NFL season, and the time wasn’t right.

Here we are, one week after the 2024 NFL draft and just before the Commanders open OTAs, and the time was finally right for that lunch.

McLaurin is one of the NFL’s best wide receivers and has a large presence in the DMV community. Having a mentor like Johnson, one of the most successful businessmen in America, is a wise choice.

On the field, the Commanders hope they’ve finally given McLaurin some stability under center with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Reacting to Magic Johnson’s prediction the San Antonio Spurs are postseason-bound next season

As fans of many teams around the league awaken to the potential of a certain French forward, panic is beginning to spread.

Earlier this week, Hall of Fame Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson took it upon himself to weigh in on the short-term future of the San Antonio Spurs with regard to how it might impact his Lakers. As fans of many teams around the league awaken to the potential of a certain French forward, panic is beginning to spread.

“Laker Nation, we have a problem. All the good teams in the West are young and talented: the (Denver) Nuggets, the (Minnesota) Timberwolves, the (Oklahoma City) Thunder, and the (Dallas) Mavs,” tweeted Johnson. “And the BIGGEST elephant in the room is the Spurs, who with Victor Wembanyama, will definitely be a playoff team next season.”

The host of the “Locked On Spurs” podcast, Jeff Garcia, sat down with “Sweep The League” podcast host Rudy Campos stops by to discuss Magic’s belief that the Spurs will be playoff-bound as soon as next season.

Check it out above!

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