“The Strongest Animals I’ve Ever Seen”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Was Stunned by Magic Johnson and 7 ft Lakers Giant’s Insane Strength in 1998

Magic Johnson and his legacy in basketball history has been matched by very few NBA legends. At just 20 years of age, he took the world by storm as the Los Angeles Lakers went on to dominate an entire decade. In the 1980s, the Lakers were the talk of the town and everyone knew about them, including superstars Arnold Schwarzenegger. The seven-time Mr. Olympia champion was a huge fan of the Lakers as he once expressed. Back in 1998, Schwarzenegger recounted the time when he saw two Lakers legends up close, working out, and he was left stunned.

Schwarzenegger mentioned witnessing Magic Johnson and Wilt Chamberlain back in the same gym. He also recalled his awe at the work ethic of the two giants and showered high praise on them.

Schwarzenegger on witnessing Magic Johnson and Wilt Chamberlain at the same gym

The Los Angeles Lakers have tons of celebrity fans, and it is quite obvious why. LA houses some of the most popular movie stars in the world, including the talented Arnold Schwarzenegger. The legend is a long-time Lakers fan and back in 1998, he couldn’t stop himself from expressing his admiration for two Lakers legends.

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Back in The Magic Hour talk show in 1998, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a guest of host Magic Johnson. As they both were admirers of each other’s crafts, the two legends could barely stop reminiscing stories about each other. Johnson narrated a story where The Terminator could lift as much weight with his one hand as Johnson could with two.

Following that, the pro bodybuilder recalled the time when he witnessed two Lakers legends, Magic Johnson and Wilt Chamberlain working out in the gym.

“The strongest animals I’ve ever seen,” said Schwarzenegger, after looking at the legendary basketball players giving it their all. The legendary bodybuilder must’ve experienced one of the most iconic moments at the gym with two generational legends working out in LA.

Coming from a man who won six-consecutive Mr. Olympia medals, this was high praise. Arnold Schwarzenegger put bodybuilding on the map by performing like no one ever did.

Arnold and his love for the Los Angeles Lakers

Schwarzenegger has been in love with the Lakers for a long long time. He has been photographed with Magic before as well. Back in 2018, the legend wrote a hearty wish to the Lakers and LeBron James for their upcoming game.

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Schwarzenegger spent most of his adult life in LA, explaining why the purple and yellow jerseys are so close to his heart.