There’s an exclusive club of greats immortalized in the LA landscape. Now one of them is putting rivalries aside and welcoming a new entrant. LA Galaxy is celebrating its legend, Cobi Jones, by announcing plans to unveil a statue. Los Angeles legends banded together to congratulate Jones on behalf of the city. One of them was Magic Johnson. The Lakers icon has a bronze monument at Crypto.Com arena for leading the Showtime era. Today he’s a billionaire and owner of multiple sports teams, including Cobi Jones’ cross-town rivals, LAFC.

But LAFC and Galaxy’s historic clashes don’t come in the way of celebrating a soccer titan. Landon Donovan, Dustin Brown, and Luc Robitaille joined Magic Johnson in congratulating Jones.

“Cobi, your impact on soccer and in the sports of LA is incredible,” Johnson said and proceeded to describe just how incredible. “From your time at the UCLA, where you led the Bruins to a national championship, to your amazing career with the LA Galaxy winning two MLS cups titles, you truly earned your place among the legends. Your induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame and being named one of MLS’ greatest players in 2020 and now in 2026, your statue, brother will stand in LA as a permanent tribute to everything you have accomplished in soccer and in the LA community.”

We’re sure the significance of this honor is not lost on Jones. But as someone who’s been there, Magic emphasizes, “Congratulations on your great soccer career. Man, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Kareem, Jerry West, Chick Hearn, among so many many others you’re going to join the elite club. Welcome.”

As someone who knows how it feels to be honored by the City of Angels, Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s message fits the occasion. On the other hand, this is the boss of their biggest rivals.

Magic is a co-owner in multiple franchises – MLS’ LAFC, WNBA’s Sparks, MLB’s Dodgers, NFL’s Washington Commanders, and NWSL’s Washington Spirit. LAFC and Galaxy’s relationship is as tense as the Lakers and Clippers. Their clashes are always high stakes. But some things warrant putting bad blood aside.

Magic Johnson stands out from soccer rivalry

Ever since LAFC came to town, the soccer community has been divided. Both teams’ fans refuse to acknowledge the ‘LA’ in the other team’s name. As of 2024, the two teams have clashed 23 times across all competitions, with both winning nine times, plus five draws. LAFC has scored 49 goals and the Galaxy have scored 48. They’re scheduled for two matches this year. Even the attendance at LAFC’s BMO Stadium and Galaxy’s Carson home can be contentious.

Amid this rivalry, Magic Johnson went on a spree to buy up franchise stakes. In 2014, he bought stakes in the Sparks and LAFC. The club won its first MLS title in 2022, giving Magic his first soccer chip (one of 15 overall across all teams). But the megawatt-smiling NBA legend has never spurred this rivalry.

Jones’ statue will be placed in Legends Plaza alongside those of David Beckham and Landon Donovan in 2026 when the city hosts the World Cup.

“I am truly humbled by this incredible honor,” Jones said. “Starting out as a five-year-old who loved soccer, it grew into a passion that allowed me to represent the United States and play for the best fans here in Los Angeles with the Galaxy.”

It would be interesting if a certain LAFC owner would be in Carson when Cobi Jones’ likeness is unveiled.