Back in the 1980s, the Los Angeles Lakers were the main attraction of the NBA. The sheer dominance of the Purple and Gold on the court, with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar at its helm, was a spectacular feat in and of itself. Over the years, there has been a constant debate amongst Lakers fans on who was more essential to the team from Hollywood, Magic Johnson or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Fast forward to 2023, and it seems like the answer to a long-debated question has finally been answered by a former teammate of the NBA legends.

Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have always mentioned how the presence of the other was essential to the success of the Lakers in a league featuring legends like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. However, everyone has a favorite, and a former teammate of the legendary duo has chosen his pick among the two.

Lakers legend chooses Magic Johnson over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The Los Angeles Lakers were blessed with some magical players in the ’80s. Players like James Worthy and Michael Cooper were also essential to their success at the time. Recently, both the legends were seen together after a long time recalling their iconic time in the NBA.

In a recent discussion on NBA History & Legends on CLNS, Worthy and Cooper sat down to discuss a plethora of topics, including Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on the Showtime Lakers. During the discussion, Cooper pointed out how the duo were inseparable, even in the eyes of the fans. In response, the 1988 NBA Finals MVP mentioned that despite their legendary status, he couldn’t resist picking a favorite between the two.

“Magic the enhancer,” said Worthy. He added, “If I had to choose one player to start my team in the whole wide world, Kareem obviously is dominant, but if I had to pick one player, I’d have to pick Magic Johnson, because he gonna get everybody get there. He gonna enhance everybody.”

ALSO READ: “Good Ol’ Days”: After Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas and NBA World Send Regards, 76 YO Lakers Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Shares Emotional Message

Magic Johnson’s reputation to enhance the players in his team has become a part of his legacy. Modern NBA superstars like LeBron James are often compared to Magic for possessing a similar feat.

Despite his pick, Worthy further mentioned how Abdul-Jabbar was the smartest player on the court. So much so that the seven-time All-Star thought he was too smart for a basketball player. A sentiment that even Magic Johnson resonated with.

Magic Johnson on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s intelligence

Although Magic Johnson was a player like no other, he never denied his colleagues their due credit. Similarly, in an interview with The Athletic last year, Johnson showered his senior in the Lakers and former teammate with compliments. He mentioned how Cap was not just the “smartest” basketball player he played with, but also the smartest individual he’d ever met. It is a compliment that many around the NBA community might agree with, especially people who are ardent readers of the six-time MVP’s blog, Kareem Substack.

Who’s your pick between Magic and Kareem? Or do you have another favorite from that era? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story:  Magic Johnson Drops the Hammer on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as LeBron James Nears Iconic NBA Scoring Record