?I Let My Teammates Down?: From Heartbreak to Triumph, How Magic Johnson?s 1984 Finals Meltdown Forged a Legend

1984 stands out as a defining year, not just for the Los Angeles Lakers but for their icon player Magic Johnson. The entire fandom watched in disbelief as the invincible team lost to the Boston Celtics. The charismatic and talented 5x champion?s one mistake cost the Lakers the highly coveted championship that year. Recently in an interview, the veteran openly admitted to shedding tears for months after his performance.

However, that marked the beginning of his relentless efforts to reverse the situation. Let?s listen to his entire story.

The tears that forged the champion

Recently, the 3x NBA Finals MVP sat for an interview with former NBA player and sports analyst Jalen Rose. Speaking of his game against the Boston Celtics at the 1984 finals, Johnson shared how it devastated him. He shared, ?This was the first time I made critical mistakes for us to lose that championship. So I cried, Jalen, for three months, all summer, I cried because I let my teammates down. I was the reason why we lost the championship.”

Not just fans, but his fellow players were also shocked to witness his failure. The legend made some critical mistakes in the game. Particularly in Game 4 where his two crucial free throws slipped through his grasp, contributing to the Lakers? 129-125 loss. Then again, in Game 7, his performance wavered in the final two minutes. All these collectively proved costly in their 4-3 loss.

That was one particular year that changed things for the legend. He realized how he had to fight back. From the depths of his despair emerged a commitment of self-improvement and an unwavering determination to win. He began to work hard in the gym.

The aftermath of Magic Johnson?s 1984 NBA Finals nightmare

Talking about his practice after losing to the Celtics, he said, ?I got to go back to the lab. I got to go back to work. See, self-evaluation is the hardest thing you have to do. Any person has to judge themselves and be honest with themselves and if you can do that, then you can improve.”

READ MORE: ?D Wade Was the Flash?: Ignoring Shaquille O?Neal?s Presence, Former NBA Champion Gives Heat Legend His Props for 17-Year-Old Triumph

Rightly said he was aware of the task at hand. To redeem his position, he worked hard every day. Finally, when the opportunity was presented to him again the following year, he didn?t lose. In 1985, the Lakers beat the Celtics with a 4-2 series lead. Johnson revealed that the reason he was able to beat Boston was because he had improved from how he was before.

Did Johnson’s story inspire you? Share with us in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY | From 50 Cent Collab to Destiny Child?s Exposure, Know Why Kobe Bryant?s Rap Career Never Took off