Magic Johnson Dwarfs 7x Mr. Olympia & Bodybuilding Freak Arnold Schwarzenegger in Rare Photo

Magic Johnson and his legendary career is unforgettable, and for valid reasons as well. The Lakers legend burst onto the scene when he was just 20 and was an integral part of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers dominated the 80s and Johnson couldn’t help but create magic for them. Winning five in the whole decade. But there was another champion nearby, who wowed the world with his physique the decade before, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

A man, whose name is synonymous with bodybuilding, decided to compete in his last Mr. Olympia in 1980. Safe to say he won the gold medal. A picture of these two legends shaking hands is an iconic moment in LA history.

Magic Johnson and Arnold Schwarzenegger: Two stalwarts in American sports 

By the time Johnson entered the NBA, Schwarzenegger was already a legend in bodybuilding. The Austrian Oak won almost every Mr. Olympia that he participated in, barring his first. Notably, Johnson and Schwarzenegger were household names in La-La Land, with both being forces in their profession.

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The five-time NBA Champion and seven-time Mr. Olympia once clicked together in LA. And their young faces exuded the legendary status that they had at their peaks. Any sports fan who understands their contribution to their respective sports would appreciate the greatness of the tall hunks.

Speaking of being tall, Arnold Schwarzenegger is 6’2”, which will be considered fairly tall in normal society. However, Johnson dwarfed the seven-time Mr. Olympia in the picture. The two behemoths stood side by side, probably making the 100s of onlookers and photographers feel insecure.

Johnson and Schwarzenegger’s careers wouldn’t have collided if the latter did not decide to return to Mr. Olympia in 1980. It was his last Mr. Olympia, and he successfully competed to win his seventh medal.

On the other hand, Johnson in his 20s achieved everything he could in NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, etching his name in basketball history.

Schwarzenegger’s life outside bodybuilding

Unbeknownst to many, Schwarzenegger is a huge Lakers fan, probably why he was clicked with Johnson in the 80s. The legendary bodybuilder has also loved LeBron James and publicly stated his support for the team.

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The seven-time Mr. Olympia’s career outside bodybuilding is equally successful. His movie career included Oscar Winning movies in the Terminator franchise and many other cult action movies.

Just like Arnold, are you also a fan of the Lakers and Magic Johnson? Tell us in the comments section below.