The Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson has been an active commentator in the NBA world through social media. Johnson doesn’t shy away from sharing his opinion on an issue, even if it is too late. However, the 5x NBA Champion recently received backlash for his take on the New York Knicks and Lakers franchises. The legend’s tweet came moments after Jalen Brunson’s Knicks’ impressive performance in Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Knicks went 3-1 up in the series against the Cavaliers and would look to seal the series in the coming game. The Knicks and Lakers are arguably the richest franchises in the league and are situated in the country’s heartland. Naturally, fans often criticized these franchises for buying the best players in the league. Moreover, the large fan bases pump out a lot of revenue to the league.
Magic Johnson faces heat amid Jalen Brunson’s heroics
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Moments after the Sunday game, Magic Johnson, as usual, took to his Twitter to give his opinion on the game. In addition to a tweet praising the Knicks guards, he also made a debatable statement. In response to the tweet, several fans swarmed the comments sections, attacking the legend. The tweet read, “The NBA is always better when the Lakers and Knicks are in the Playoffs because they have the largest fan bases and they really love basketball. Laker fans had Crypto Arena so loud last night and the Knicks fans had MSG jumping today!”
The NBA is always better when the Lakers and Knicks are in the Playoffs because they have the largest fan bases and they really love basketball. Laker fans had Crypto Arena so loud last night and the Knicks fans had MSG jumping today!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 23, 2023
The Tweet didn’t sit well with some sections of the fans as they questioned his partiality toward rich franchises. One user said, “If your assessment is correct that the NBA should not hold any playoff games, then suggesting a best-of-10 series between LA and New York would be impractical and unrealistic.”
New York and Los Angeles are arguably two of the richest cities in the country, and their NBA franchises are popular because of the frequent celebrity visits. Despite the controversial take, Johnson praised Jalen Brunson and other Knicks guards.
The Knicks guards dominated once again in Game 4 led by Brunson with 29 points, Barrett with 26 and Hart with 19! They beat the Cavs 102-93 and took a 3-1 lead in the Series.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 23, 2023
However, the tweet regarding the fan bases attracted a lot of heat from the fans.
Fans rip apart Magic Johnson
Several sections of the fans flooded the comments section with brutal comments, accusing Johnson of spinning propaganda. One user said, “This is big market propaganda, Magic!” Following are some reactions from NBA Twitter.
If your assessment is correct that the NBA should not hold any playoff games, then suggesting a best-of-10 series between LA and New York would be impractical and unrealistic.
— diarise (@light_rising) April 23, 2023
So us small market team fans don’t matter??
— Thomas (@minnysoda18) April 23, 2023
The Knicks will take on the Cavs in Game 5 on Wednesday. The Cavaliers star, Donovan Mitchell, couldn’t translate his scoring spree from the regular season.
Maybe the NBA would be better overall if small market teams won, which would allow fans to develop in those areas
— Aaron Gordon fan (@AG50Fan) April 23, 2023
I hate this biased big city mentality for LA and New York. It affects coverage on ESPN, TNT and online media the league shows bias as well. The NBA should be a steward of sport over entertainment. We don't care about the city we care about fair and equal playing fields for all.
— Peak Process (@Peak_Process) April 23, 2023
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This is big market propaganda, Magic!
— PJ Homik ⚭ (@pdotjdott) April 23, 2023
Fans expect Mitchell to save his side from an early exit.
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What do you make of Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson’s tweet regarding the Knicks and Lakers’ fanbase? Let us know in the comments below.