Magic Johnson is one of the greatest ever to play the game. He defined the “Showtime” Lakers team of the 1980s. As a point guard, he was world-class despite being 6 feet 9 inches tall. He himself has won five NBA championships and was NBA Finals MVP in 1980, 1982, and 1987. He also became the president of basketball operations for the team. Now, he appears as an analyst for ESPN.
According to him, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors will win the Western Conference. He tweeted about it after the Warriors won their 2nd game against the Denver Nuggets.
The Warriors showed us last night why they are a championship team, and the most entertaining team in the NBA, by putting on a show against the Nuggets! Steph Curry came off the bench and scored 34, Klay Thompson had 21, and Jordan Poole finished with 29 points.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 19, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This got him some flak among some quarters who thought he was a “bandwagon” fan of them. To his detractors, he is a “bandwagon” fan of the team. Fans have now come and defended the legend from these criticisms.
Now with the Warriors fully healthy, high basketball IQ, Coach Kerr's ability to make in game adjustments, and with the championship pedigree of Steph, Klay, Draymond and Coach Kerr, I pick them to come out of the west!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 19, 2022
Johnson provided his opinion as an analyst and a legend. Phoenix Suns fans got angry and started accusing him of “jumping on the bandwagon”. Fans have now come and defended the player’s integrity. They are asking other fans to show some respect to him as one should to a legend.
READ MORE: NBA Legend Charles Barkley Was Fuming at Catastrophic Final Play for Joel Embiid’s 76ers vs Raptors
These are some of the tweets:
Don't you dare insult Magic Johnson. Show some respect to one of the all-time greats that built the league you play in.
— LannisterSong (@JadenReyArien) April 21, 2022
Magic knows balls 🏀 🙌🏽 #NBAPlayoffs #DubNation https://t.co/LOnbp1trqw
— The Gaffer🐅 (@Mo_Medi) April 20, 2022
Warriors been running this shit since 2015.. Klay Curry Draymond have NEVER lost a series when all healthy https://t.co/O1FeAtmiWw
— Parker Colin Woods (@parker_woods) April 20, 2022
FAX ONLY https://t.co/GuFubPCTaq
— Just robi (@KianMissiona) April 20, 2022
Magic knows basketball https://t.co/9XsZ8x4Wdf
— Therealrob252 (@TheRealRob252) April 20, 2022
Magic Johnson and the ” Showtime” Lakers
Magic Johnson innovated the “Showtime” style of playing. It involved fast breaks. In a typical sequence, rebounders such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kurt Rambis, and A. C. Green would quickly release an outlet pass to Johnson.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He would race down the court and distribute the ball to players such as Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, Byron Scott, and Michael Cooper for a finishing layup or slam dunk. Often, Johnson himself rebounded the ball and drove it fast. It would lead to great no-look passes for his teammates. If the break was not available, they would settle into their half-court defense and give the ball to Kareem for his signature “skyhook” shot.
This resulted in 5 NBA championships for the team. Johnson himself was Finals MVP three times. He was also a 4-time assists leader during his time at the Lakers. It led to him having the most assists per game at 11.2.
WATCH THIS STORY: Shaquille ONeal vs Magic Johnsons net worth: Is the gentle giant richer than his idol?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He, now, is an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex. His coming out HIV positive helped in dispelling the stereotype, still widely held at the time. Everyone widely commended his bravery in making this announcement.
Should Johnson be slandered like this for his opinion? No one should for a reasonable one.