Remember when Anthony Edwards tried to throw shade at the ’80s NBA era and got a lot of backlash from players and fans alike? Let’s revisit that moment. Edwards was comparing the current NBA era to Magic Johnson‘s and bluntly said, “I don’t think anybody had skill back then. Michael Jordan was the only one that really had skill, you know what I mean? So, that’s why when they saw Kobe, they were like, oh my god, but now everybody has skill.” That statement? It wasn’t just bold—it was deeply disrespectful to legends like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and countless others who defined the game.
Well, Magic Johnson didn’t hold back when he clapped back at Anthony Edwards for his comments. “I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship,” Johnson said. “I’ve got nothing to say. He didn’t win a college championship, I don’t even know if he won a high school championship.” That was Magic putting Edwards in his place, reminding him that before throwing shade at NBA legends, you need to back it up with some serious wins.
And then, things took an unexpected turn. Just yesterday on the Jimmy Kimmel show, Kimmel joked that Magic should buy the Minnesota Timberwolves to spook Edwards for his remarks on the NBA era. But if Magic were to actually make a move like that, he’d find himself in a pretty sticky situation. Why? Because he’d be competing against none other than Alex Rodriguez, the current minority owner of the Timberwolves, who’s already in a legal battle with Wolves majority owner Glen Taylor for full ownership of the team. What makes this even messier is that Magic and A-Rod are friends. In fact, A-Rod has openly said that Magic was his inspiration to get into team ownership.
via Imago
Magic Johnson, right, greets Alex Rodriguez during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets, Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
It was all in good fun when Jimmy Kimmel joked about Magic Johnson buying the Wolves to get back at Anthony Edwards for his comments. Magic laughed it off, showing no real intention of battling for ownership, but he still had a few more words for Edwards during the show.
“Talk trash when you won something”: Magic Johnson rips Anthony Edwards’ NBA era comments
Although Magic Johnson had already hit back at Anthony Edwards for his NBA era comments, he had more to say on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. “You might wanna talk trash when you won something…you know if this came from some of the guys who just was on the Celtic team, okay, you might wanna look at it, but you[Edwards] haven’t won anything,” Johnson said, throwing some more shade while echoing his previous comments. This time though, it felt more like advice.
Magic urged Edwards to lock in on winning a championship instead of dissing past legends. “If I’m Anthony Edwards, I’m worried about the Mavs, OKC, Boston, and all these tough teams… you got beat by the Mavs, didn’t make it to the Finals. So, focus on that instead of throwing shade at a time you weren’t even around for,” Johnson added.
If you think about it, it was more than just a clap back—it was wisdom from a legend. Magic’s message was clear: success comes from staying focused on the real challenges, not from throwing shade at legends who paved the way. What are your thoughts on this?
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Magic Johnson vs. A-Rod for Timberwolves ownership—who would be the better fit for the team?