“I would never ever forget this day”, were the first few words that came out of Magic Johnson’s mouth after he met South Africa’s ‘Father of the Nation’. Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest leaders of our history, was kind enough to meet the Los Angeles Lakers legend back in his country. This meant the world to Johnson because the former President was a “hero” to him. This unique interaction happened only because of Mandela’s love for sports, which he has often emphasized on many occasions.

Mandela believed in one thing a lot when it came to sports: Unity. Johnson’s meet-up with him in Africa is one such example. Sharing an unearthed video of his interaction with the legend, Johnson wrote on Instagram, “I don’t get nervous often, but when I was blessed with the chance to meet Nelson Mandela in 1996, I was shaking!… I was, and still am, in awe of all of the peaceful work and leadership that President Mandela displayed in the face of adversity. He is a hero to me,” 

Meeting Mandela was overwhelming for Johnson. He mentioned in the video that he was going to cry when he got back on the bus. This one is special to the 3-time MVP for a few reasons. The invitation to meet came from Mandela himself, which is a huge honor. Johnson had shared in the caption that the former President wanted him and his NBA teammates to “play games and run free basketball clinics with giveaways in the villages of South Africa”. 

Mandela wanted to use Johnson as a tool to develop basketball in his country, which very much speaks about his love for it. Also, Johnson shared in the video that he wanted to be like Mandela, at least in a small way, in the near future. The late legend replied, “You are more than me”. We can now understand why the Lakers champion has been too kind to the people of America! 

Mandela was a “great friend of the NBA”

The African sensation’s idea behind sports is deeper than what it is to us. While it was just an activity for many, Mandela believed it could bring people together across the world. Well, the NBA is an example of it. In fact, he often used it as a powerful weapon to end racism. Mandela always tried to partner up with the NBA, to make basketball a famous sport in his country, which eventually happened. 

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Former NBA commissioner David Stern, after his first meet-up with Mandela, shared that he is, “one of the most powerful and inspirational leaders in the world and a great friend of the NBA.” The admiration was indeed two-sided! 

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