Magic Johnson on Ending Friendship With “Brother” Isiah Thomas: “That Was the Start of Us Not Being Friends”

NBA legend Magic Johnson has had a great number of battles with some of the best players in the league during his time. While many know about his rivalry with Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, few remember that he had a fierce rivalry with Isiah Thomas as well.

The Detroit Pistons legend and Magic were not on the best of terms. In the recently released docuseries, ‘They Call Me Magic‘, Johnson talked about this rivalry.

The two also had a full-blown on-court fight once, which deteriorated their already rocky relationship. In the second episode of the series, Johnson and Thomas conveyed their sides of the story.

Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas’ relationship ended after a fight

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Detroit Pistons met in back-to-back NBA finals in 1988 and 1989. Naturally, two of the best players from each team had a lot on stake despite their friendship off-court.

After a full-blown on-court fight, their already strained relationship ended.  Johnson said, “That was the start of us not being friends. And not, you know, really talking anymore.”

Thomas then added his own side of the story. He said, “Our relationship, it came apart because the championship journey, it’s about the insatiable appetite to win. No mercy.”

Johnson had similar thoughts when it came to winning at all costs, he said, “For me, it’s about winning at all costs. If it costs me friendships, it costs.”

READ MORE: Shortly After “Kissing” Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson Admits Why He Turned Into Mike Tyson in 1988

Interestingly enough, Magic Johnson was one of the key conspirators behind Thomas’ exclusion from the 1992 USA Dream Team. Johnson revealed in a book that he helped keep Thomas out of the National Team. This was done as Magic had reportedly felt that Thomas had allegedly spread rumors about his sexuality when the former was infected with HIV.

Johnson and Thomas ended their long rivalry with a loving embrace

Time heals everything, or so they say. It certainly holds true in the case of Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas. Back in 2017, Johnson and Thomas embraced lovingly while the whole world watched.

“You are my brother. Let me apologize if I hurt you, that we haven’t been together and God is good to bring us back together“, said Johnson. This special moment between two NBA legends happened on NBA TV’s Player Only Monthly Special.

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What is your favorite moment of Magic Johnson? Let us know in the comments down below.